1. Get Underlying Causes Under Control
Peritonitis--an inflammation and infection of the membrane that contains the organs in your abdomen--can be caused by other gastrointestinal and bowel diseases, making it necessary to treat these conditions as quickly and effectively as possible. You may need to be hospitalized in order to get your health under control, especially if you have inflammatory diseases like diverticulitis or Crohn's disease. These conditions, as well as a ruptured appendix, can sometimes cause toxic matter to spill into your abdominal cavity, which can infect the peritoneum. Fluid that has built up in your abdomen from liver disease may also lead to peritonitis if it is not treated.
2. Manage With Medications
If your peritonitis stems from an abscess, you will be given a course of antibiotics to manage the infection. Whether you take oral or intravenous medications will depend on the severity of your infection. Dehydration is also a concern when you have peritonitis, so you may be given hydration fluids through an IV as well. Speak to your doctor about receiving drugs to relieve the pain you feel as as result of the inflammation. Your medications will most likely be managed in the hospital, as patients with peritonitis often need surgery along with drug therapy to manage their illness.
3. Repair Peritonitis With Surgery
Surgery is a very common and effective way to treat peritonitis. Peritonitis can become a life-threatening disorder if you don't treat it as soon as possible, because the bacteria may enter your bloodstream and lead to a system-wide sepsis in your body. Your doctor can surgically remove the infected matter that is making you sick. He may also be able to repair fistulas, diseased portions of your bowel, a ruptured appendix and other elements that are contributing to your peritonitis.
