Which sign is commonly associated with peritonitis?

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Peritoneal irritation from inflammation often leads to an ileus, meaning the bowel’s normal motility slows down or stops. When this happens, the bowel sounds become quiet or absent. That’s why hypoactive bowel sounds are commonly associated with peritonitis. In contrast, hyperactive sounds suggest increased motility from other problems like early gastroenteritis or obstruction, while hyperkalemia or jaundice are not typical signs of peritoneal inflammation. In a patient with peritonitis, you’d also expect other signs such as a rigid, tender abdomen and rebound tenderness, with the quiet bowel sounds reflecting the underlying ileus.