Peritonitis

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** Inflammation of the peritoneum due to infection by bacteria or fungi. Causes include liver disease, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract or biliary tract, and peritoneal dialysis. Patients usually present with abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, chills, and nausea and vomiting. It is an emergency medical condition that requires prompt medical attention and treatment.

**Synonyms:** - peritonitis