• Infection of the membrane that lines the abdominal wall
• Symptoms may include fever, chills abdominal pain and bloating
• Cause may be unknown but most commonly related to a bacterial infection caused by liver disease or peritoneal dialysis
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age
• Can be severe and life threatening without prompt treatment

General therapy

Most sore throats go away in a week or so

Increase fluid intake

Good hand washing practice

Extra rest

If painful swallowing, sip warm broth through a straw, suck small pieces of ice (not small enough to choke on!), or eat soft foods like jelly (jello)

Gargle with warm saltwater, once each hour with 1 teaspoon salt per 250 ml (8 ounces) glass of water

Sip mixture after it cools off: hot water mixed with honey and lemon to taste

Suck on hard candy or throat lozenges

Use of a humidifier in bedroom

Stop smoking

Limit talking

Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

Decongestant – oral or nasal spray

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

Aspirin

Acetaminophen

Throat lozenges or cough drops

Alternative Medications

Brewed as teas:

Licorice root

Marshmallow root

Honeysuckle flowers

Barberry

Eucalyptus

Chamomile

Slippery elm

Diet

Increase fluids, such as water, soups, tea, juice and broths

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Precautions and Avoidances

Avoid sharing drinking glasses, food, eating utensils or towels

Avoid getting mouth near phones or water fountains

Avoid anyone who is not feeling well

When pollution is high, stay indoors

Avoid smoking, using other tobacco products, and secondhand smoke

Use tissue to cough or sneeze into and toss away immediately

If on plane, close the air nozzle above you

Clean phones, remotes, and computer keyboard regularly

Seek medical ATTENTION if

A severe sore throat lasting longer than a week

Breathing or swallowing difficulties

Fever over 38.3 ºC (101 ºF) in babies less than 6 months

Fever over 39.4 ºC (103 ºF) in older children or adults

Tender, swollen neck lymph nodes

White or pus patches on back of throat

Skin rash

Coughing and hoarseness lasting longer than 2 weeks

Saliva or phlegm containing blood

Signs of dehydration, such as: dark sunken eyes, severe weakness, low urine output

You have been around someone who has strep throat

Drooling in a young child

Inability to swallow or drink enough fluids

A sore throat that improves then comes back