Intra-abdominal infections
Intra-abdominal Infections
Intra-abdominal infections (pronunciation: In-truh-ab-dom-uh-nuhl In-fek-shuhns) are infections that occur within the abdomen. They are often caused by bacteria or fungi and can range from localized abscesses to severe peritonitis.
Etymology
The term "intra-abdominal" is derived from the Latin words "intra" meaning "within" and "abdomen" meaning "belly". The term "infection" comes from the Latin "infectio", meaning "to dye or stain".
Types of Intra-abdominal Infections
Intra-abdominal infections can be classified into two main types: primary peritonitis and secondary peritonitis. Primary peritonitis is usually caused by the spread of infection from an organ inside the abdomen. Secondary peritonitis, on the other hand, is usually caused by a condition such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated peptic ulcer.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of intra-abdominal infections include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients may also experience shock or sepsis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of intra-abdominal infections typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Blood tests may also be used to identify the causative organism.
Treatment
Treatment for intra-abdominal infections usually involves antibiotics to fight the infection, and in some cases, surgery may be required to remove the source of the infection.
Related Terms
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