What is a symptom of peritonitis?

Weakness is indeed a symptom of peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue lining the inner wall of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs. This condition often results from a bacterial or fungal infection, typically due to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, appendicitis, or even pancreatitis.

When the peritoneum becomes inflamed, it can lead to systemic symptoms, including weakness, as a result of the body's inflammatory response. The infection can cause a significant amount of stress on the body, leading to fatigue and a general sense of malaise. Additionally, peritonitis often causes severe abdominal pain and tenderness, which can contribute to feelings of weakness as the body diverts energy to fight the infection.

Other options presented do not directly correlate with peritonitis. Jaundice is usually associated with liver conditions rather than peritoneal inflammation. Protruding hemorrhoids relate to venous issues in the rectal area, and while loss of appetite can occur in many conditions, it is not as specific or directly related to the inflammatory response seen in peritonitis as weakness is.