Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is an infection of the fluid that builds up in the abdomen (ascites).

How is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis diagnosed?

What is the treatment for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?



If you have it, you may develop symptoms, including:

- tummy pain and tenderness
- fever
- vomiting
- confusion
- diarrhoea

But it’s common to have few or no symptoms at all.

## How is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis diagnosed?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a medical emergency and you should go to hospital immediately if you have any of the above symptoms. In hospital, a doctor will usually ask you about your symptoms and other medical conditions you have or have had in the past.

They’ll examine your tummy and will typically use a thin needle to take a small sample of the fluid in your tummy to test for infection.


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## What is the treatment for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is usually treated with antibiotics. These can be given through a vein in your arm or as tablets.

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References

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

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Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is an infection of the fluid that builds up in the abdomen. It’s called ‘spontaneous’ because the infection usually has no obvious cause. Discover the causes and symptoms of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and how to treat it.