Patients suffering from inflammation of the stomach membrane may recover faster by eating tomatoes and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach and kales.
The condition, known as peritonitis, can also be managed by other antioxidant foods like whole grain bread, fruits, beans, food rich in vitamins B and calcium.
According to a doctor at Thika Level Five hospital, Dr George Gichuki, peritonitis is inflammation of peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdominal wall. The membrane covers internal organs.
He pointed out that the disease is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
Dr Gichuki explained that the condition can be classified either as primary or secondary peritonitis. In primary peritonitis, the infection spreads from the blood and lymph nodes to the peritoneum. Secondary peritonitis happens when infection spreads into the peritoneum through a perforation in the abdominal wall.
He described both cases as very serious saying they can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
“The symptoms of peritonitis include swelling and tenderness in the abdomen with pain ranging from dull aches to severe sharp pain, fever and chills. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, less urine and not being able to pass gas or stool among others are other symptoms,” Dr Gichuki said.
He pointed out that primary peritonitis is caused by liver cirrhosis which entails fluid building up in the abdomen, thus creating an environment for bacteria growth.
Dr Gichuki however noted that secondary peritonitis is caused by other conditions that allow bacteria or fungal infections to spread into the peritoneum from a scion or tear in the abdominal wall.
“Tears can be caused by pancreatitis, a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer, crohn’s disease or diverticulitis.”
He added that peritoneal dialysis which uses blood vessels in the abdomen to filter waste from the patient’s blood when the kidney cannot, also may cause peritonitis.
Dr Gichuki advised that peritonitis should be treated as an emergency since it is life-threatening.
He also warned that patients suffering from the disease should not be treated using herbs as it would worsen the situation.