Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of peritonitis include:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Low urine output
• Thirst
• Inability to pass stool or gas
• Fatigue
• Confusion

If you're receiving peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis symptoms may also include:

• Cloudy dialysis fluid
• White flecks, strands or clumps (fibrin) in the dialysis fluid

When to see a doctor

Peritonitis can be life-threatening if it's not treated promptly. Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe pain or tenderness of your abdomen, abdominal bloating, or a feeling of fullness associated with:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low urine output
• Thirst
• Inability to pass stool or gas

If you're receiving peritoneal dialysis, contact your health care provider immediately if your dialysis fluid:

• Is cloudy or has an unusual color
• Contains white flecks
• Contains strands or clumps (fibrin)
• Has an unusual odor, especially if the area around your tube (catheter) is red or painful.

Peritonitis may result from a burst appendix or trauma-related abdominal injury.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop abdominal pain so severe that you're unable to sit still or find a comfortable position.
• Call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance if you have severe abdominal pain following an accident or injury.