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How to Pronounce Peritonitis

peh-rit-oh-NY-tis

IPA: /ˌpɛr.ɪ.tə.ˈnaɪ.tɪs/

peh rit oh NY tis

How do you pronounce Peritonitis?

Peritonitis is pronounced "peh-rit-oh-NY-tis". It has 5 syllables: peh - rit - oh - ny - tis. The stress falls on the fourth syllable, "ny".

How many syllables are in Peritonitis?

Peritonitis has 5 syllables: peh - rit - oh - ny - tis.

What does Peritonitis mean?

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum — the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It is most commonly caused by bacterial contamination from a ruptured appendix, perforated ulcer, or bowel perforation and is a surgical emergency.

Etymology & Word Parts

periton- peritoneum, abdominal lining Greek peritonaion

-itis inflammation of Greek -itis

Clinical Usage

Peritonitis presents with diffuse abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, guarding, and fever. Causes include appendiceal rupture, bowel perforation, peptic ulcer perforation, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients. Treatment requires emergent surgery and IV antibiotics.

Common Mispronunciations

Often said "peri-TON-itis" — correct stress is on the fourth syllable: peh-rit-oh-NY-tis

Where You’ll Encounter This

Emergency surgery, general surgery, ICU sepsis workup, cirrhosis management, trauma laparotomy.