What is the medical term for inflammation of the peritoneum?

The medical term for inflammation of the peritoneum is peritonitis. The peritoneum is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it can lead to significant abdominal pain and systemic symptoms, often resulting from infections, perforations in the gastrointestinal tract, or other inflammatory processes.

Peritonitis must be addressed promptly, as it can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and organ failure. Understanding that peritonitis specifically refers to the inflammation occurring in the peritoneal cavity is crucial for recognizing its symptoms and implications, which might include abdominal tenderness, rigidity, and rebound tenderness.

Other conditions listed, such as diverticulitis, cholecystitis, and pneumonitis, refer to inflammation of different anatomical structures: diverticulitis involves the diverticula of the colon, cholecystitis involves inflammation of the gallbladder, and pneumonitis is related to inflammation of lung tissue. Each of these conditions is distinct and involves different pathophysiological processes and management strategies.