Definition
noun
A condition marked by symptoms such as vomiting, pain, and shock associated with the inflammation of the abdominal viscera and in which the peritoneum is involved
Supplement
Peritonism is a term that is now an obsolete and rarely used. It pertains to a symptom complex characterized by vomiting, pain or abdominal tenderness, and shock. The pain may be localized or generalized. These symptoms are associated with the inflammation of any of the abdominal viscera. It also involves the peritoneum, hence, the term. It is also used to refer to conditions such as neurosis in which the symptoms are similar to those of peritonitis. Peritonitis, in particular, is a term referring to the inflammation of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the smooth serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. Peritonism is different from peritonitis though. Peritonism pertains to the condition with symptoms akin to peritonitis but without the actual inflammatory process. Rather, it is caused or due to a functional disease.1 It may be eased by lying still. It may also be exacerbated by any movement.
Synonym(s):
- pseudoperitonitis
See also:
Reference(s):
1 peritonism. Retrieved from ://connection.ebscohost.com/c/reference-entries/21240274/peritonism.
