Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Suspected peritonitis needs emergency assessment.
Go to an emergency department now for new or worsening severe abdominal pain, especially when the abdomen is very tender, swollen, or rigid.
Emergency warning signs include:
Fainting, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking
Fast or difficult breathing
Cold, clammy, pale, or mottled skin
Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Very little urine
Severe pain with fever or a rapidly worsening condition
Call emergency services if you may be developing shock, cannot travel safely, or someone is becoming unresponsive.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
If you have ascites, seek urgent assessment for fever, new abdominal pain, confusion, vomiting, or a sudden decline.
If you use peritoneal dialysis, contact your dialysis service immediately for cloudy drainage fluid or new abdominal pain.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Contact your care team sooner if pain or fever returns, a wound becomes red or drains fluid, a drain stops working, or you cannot eat, drink, pass stool, or manage the recovery plan.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is still important after treatment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Peritonitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.