Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Cirrhosis Complications: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Cirrhosis Complications: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Overview
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of fluid that builds up in the belly. It causes pain and swelling inside the belly. It may also cause a fever.
This infection most often occurs when a person has had cirrhosis for a long time. It can also occur in people with other conditions that cause fluid to build up in the belly. These can include kidney failure, heart failure, and some cancers. Sometimes the fluid builds up without a clear cause.
This infection is serious. Even if your symptoms are mild, you need medical care right away. If it is not treated, the illness gets worse fast and can be life-threatening. But most people who are treated with antibiotics get better.
How is it treated?
The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may do a procedure called paracentesis (say "pair-uh-sen-TEE-sus") to get a sample of fluid from your belly. The fluid can be tested to help find the cause of your symptoms. It can also help your doctor decide which medicines will work best to treat the infection.
Current as of: September 8, 2021
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & W. Thomas London MD - Hepatology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Related Links
Cirrhosis
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>