Peritonitis Therapy: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Stay Safe

When the lining of your abdomen becomes infected—peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the peritoneum, often caused by bacteria or fungi. It’s not just a stomach ache. It’s a medical emergency that can turn into sepsis within hours if untreated. People on peritoneal dialysis, a kidney treatment where fluid is exchanged through the abdominal cavity are at highest risk, but it can also happen after surgery, trauma, or a ruptured appendix. The key? Catching it early and treating it right.

Antibiotic treatment for peritonitis, the cornerstone of therapy, must be targeted and timely. Not all antibiotics work the same. For dialysis patients, doctors often start with broad-spectrum drugs like cefazolin or ceftazidime, then adjust based on fluid tests. If it’s fungal, antifungals like fluconazole kick in. Delaying treatment—even by a day—can mean hospitalization, longer recovery, or worse. And it’s not just about the drugs. Clean technique matters. If you’re doing dialysis at home, washing hands, sterilizing equipment, and watching for cloudy dialysis fluid aren’t optional—they’re lifesavers.

Some people think if the pain fades, the infection is gone. It’s not. Peritonitis therapy requires full courses, even if you feel better. Stopping early invites resistant bugs. Also, watch for red flags: fever, nausea, vomiting, or worsening belly pain after starting meds. That’s not a side effect—that’s a sign the treatment isn’t working. And if you’re on dialysis, a single episode of peritonitis can damage your peritoneal membrane, making future treatments harder. That’s why prevention is part of therapy too.

It’s not just about drugs and hygiene. Nutrition plays a role. Infection drains your body. Protein loss through the peritoneum means you need more protein in your diet—something your nephrologist or dietitian can help with. And if you’ve had it before, you’re more likely to get it again. That’s why some patients end up switching to hemodialysis—not because they failed, but because their body can’t handle repeated attacks.

What you won’t find in most guides? The real-world messiness. One patient gets better with oral antibiotics. Another needs IV drugs for weeks. One person’s infection comes from a contaminated catheter. Another’s from a hidden bowel leak. That’s why the posts below cover everything: how to spot early signs, what antibiotics are used when, how dialysis patients reduce risk, and what happens when things go wrong. You’ll find real cases, practical tips, and hard truths—not just textbook definitions. This isn’t theory. It’s what keeps people alive.