Common Causes And Risk Factors For Peritonitis

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is a significant risk factor for the development of peritonitis. Unlike other methods of dialysis performed through a machine outside of the body, peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum to take over some of the filtration normally done by healthy kidneys. Peritoneal dialysis is typically done in the patient's home, and it involves using a catheter to fill the peritoneum with dialysate, a cleaning solution. After a specified period, the patient drains the dialysate from the peritoneum and refills the area with a fresh dialysate solution. The drainage and refill process is known as an exchange, and each exchange normally takes thirty to forty minutes. Patients may need to do several exchanges each day. To reduce the risk of peritonitis while undergoing peritoneal dialysis, patients should ensure the place they perform their dialysis is clean, dry, and free of both plants and pets. When handling catheters and other dialysis equipment, patients should ensure their hands are clean, and they may need to wear a face mask during their exchanges. The area around the catheter should be cleaned daily with an antiseptic, and patients should watch for fevers, nausea, or any other symptoms that could indicate possible peritonitis.

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