Peritonitis describes an inflammation of the peritoneum that is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. It is usually caused by an infection from bacteria. If peritonitis is left untreated, it could spread through blood to organs. It can be fatal. An immediate stationary treatment in the hospital is necessary.
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum. There are two forms of peritonitis, which are differentiated as primary peritonitis and secondary peritonitis. When a systemic infection starting from the lymph nodes and blood develops itself towards the peritoneum, it is called primary peritonitis. This form of peritonitis is rare. Secondary peritonitis is the second and more common form of the condition. It occurs when the inflammation reaches the peritoneum from a perforation located in the wall of the abdomen. Primary and secondary peritonitis are both conditions to be taken serious and they can be the consequence of any rupture in the abdomen or a complication of an underlying medical condition. Without prompt treatment, these conditions can lead to death.
There are two main types of peritonitis: 1) Primary spontaneous peritonitis: it is an infection that starts in the peritoneum. The highest risk for it is water in the abdomen (ascites), which often develops in advanced liver diseases. 2) Secondary peritonitis: it develops when, due to an injury or infection in any abdominal organ, bacteria reach the abdominal cavity. The common risks include trauma to the abdomen and abdominal surgery. A very common cause of peritonitis is an appendicitis. A peritonitis is always a life-threatening condition. With peritonitis symptoms like fever, chills, excessive fatigue, less urination, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath may appear. Because the peritoneum is very sensitive, patients suffer from debilitating abdominal pain, which only remits in rest with cocked legs.
Treatment will depend on what is the cause of the specific peritonitis. The cause must be identified promptly. It is recommended to immediately start to treat the infection with intravenous antibiotics. Other treatments like intravenous fluids, drugs to maintain the blood pressure and nutritional support will depend on specific situation. Secondary peritonitis often needs surgery in order to remove the focus of bacterial infection.
Several years of work in academia, medical practice and finally commercialization make it possible to provide an end-to-end process to help users to “find the appropriate medical help based on their present symptoms”. Below you will find a short explanation, showing you which part of the platform will help you best in finding the appropriate medical support.
Proceed as follows to enter your current symptoms.
Click on the appropriate body part on the picture. Select one/multiple symptoms corresponding to your complaint.
You can also add symptoms by typing your medical complaint in the search box and selecting the best matching suggestion.
Note: Your information will be kept anonymously.
Once you have selected all applicable symptoms, click the “analyze disease pattern”-button.
Accordingly, you will get a list of possible diseases and matching doctor categories who can further help you.
You can inform yourself about the possible diseases by reading the related information. But you can also return to the previous step and add more symptoms or delete already added ones to further narrow down your disease pattern.
Click on the desired doctor category to find a doctor who can help you.
If you are logged in with your profile, you will be displayed the appropriate doctors in your area. Otherwise you can enter an address in the “address” field and you will be displayed a doctor’s list around that specified address.
You will receive further information about the displayed doctors when you press on “details”.
Online bookable doctors in your area will be indicated with the notation “Book appointment” or “Book externally”, additionally they will be displayed on top of the list for your convenience.
Click on “Book appointment” to start the online appointment booking process with the desired doctor.
Please select an available appointment. “Green“ appointments are booked directly. “Red“ appointments need to be confirmed by the doctor.
Enter your general personal and health information.
Enter your present medical symptoms.
Enter your mobile phone number to identify yourself and you can finalize the appointment booking.
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