Peritonitis - spontaneous bacterial: when to get help
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
Call emergency services if the person is difficult to wake, faints, has severe breathing difficulty, develops cold or mottled skin, or appears seriously unwell.
These can be signs of sepsis, shock, or severe liver-related complications.
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 or cirrhosis, seek urgent same-day hospital assessment for:
New fever, chills, or abdominal pain
New abdominal tenderness or rapidly increasing swelling
Vomiting or being unable to keep fluids down
New confusion, unusual behaviour, or marked sleepiness
Passing much less urine
A sudden, unexplained decline in your health
Do not wait for a routine appointment if new infection symptoms appear.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when you feel stable and need review of ascites treatment, preventive antibiotics, blood tests, nutrition, or transplant assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Peritonitis - spontaneous bacterial. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.