Overview

Peritonitis is an infection of the lining of the belly (peritoneum). It causes pain and swelling inside the belly. It may also cause a fever. The infection can be serious and needs to be treated.

This type of infection can happen in people who use peritoneal dialysis (PD). PD uses a dialysis fluid and the lining of the belly to filter toxins from the blood. The fluid enters and leaves the belly through a soft tube, or catheter. The place where the catheter comes out of your body is the dialysis access. You may get peritonitis if the catheter is not kept clean. You can also get it if the area around the access is not clean.

Your doctor will give you antibiotics to treat the infection. If you use PD and the infection is minor, the antibiotics may be added to the dialysis fluid. The doctor may give you a new access while the old one heals. Or you may start using hemodialysis instead of PD. Hemodialysis uses a machine instead of the lining of the belly to filter waste from the blood.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Take steps to help prevent infections from your PD catheter.
  • Keep your access site clean and dry. Check it every day for signs of infection.
  • Keep the end of your catheter covered when it is not in use.
  • Always wash your hands before you touch your catheter.
  • Avoid swimming and bathing unless your dialysis team has told you it is okay. Always clean and dry your catheter and access site right away after you get wet.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for showering.