What is a common cause of peritonitis?

What is a common cause of peritonitis?

• A. The vessels that supply the abdominal organs become inflamed.
• B. Hollow abdominal organs are damaged and spill their contents.
• C. Bacteria or viruses invade the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.
• D. Solid abdominal organs bleed secondary to penetrating trauma.

Answer: (B)

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. A common cause of this condition is when hollow abdominal organs, such as the intestines or bladder, are damaged and their contents spill into the abdominal cavity. This spillage introduces bacteria, bile, or other substances that can irritate the peritoneum and lead to infection and inflammation. When hollow organs rupture or leak, the resulting contamination can trigger an immune response, contributing to the symptoms associated with peritonitis, such as severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and potential systemic complications. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for identifying and managing peritonitis in clinical settings.

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. A common cause of this condition is when hollow abdominal organs, such as the intestines or bladder, are damaged and their contents spill into the abdominal cavity. This spillage introduces bacteria, bile, or other substances that can irritate the peritoneum and lead to infection and inflammation.

When hollow organs rupture or leak, the resulting contamination can trigger an immune response, contributing to the symptoms associated with peritonitis, such as severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and potential systemic complications. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for identifying and managing peritonitis in clinical settings.