Peritoneal diseases can affect the body in a variety of different ways. Fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity usually accompanies peritoneal diseases. Such build up causes the abdomen to swell. This swelling can put pressure on a person's lungs, causing shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If not treated, infections in the fluid can lead to infections in the bloodstream and even death. Many peritoneal diseases are related to liver or kidney failure, or even cancer in the abdominal organs.
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