Compensation for Delayed Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A failure by medical professionals to recognise the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can leave the patient facing a life-threatening condition. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Peritonitis and sepsis
Sepsis is one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. As the body responds dysfunctionally to infection, the major life-support organs can come under pressure and cease to function. Multiple organ failure can lead to death.
It is not uncommon for peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen, to trigger a sepsis response.
Peritonitis can develop when bacterial matter is allowed to seep from the bowel into the abdominal cavity due to a hole in the lining of the bowel which can occur if a severe condition of the interior of the bowel is allowed to develop due to a failure to diagnose.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Abdominal pain, swelling and diarrhoea may indicate that the patient is suffering with inflammatory bowel disease.
The patient may additionally experience sickness or jaundice.
This may be in the form of either crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, both conditions of the gut which cause inflammation of the gut. It may be possible to treat the patient's condition with medication or they may require surgery, but a failure to recognise the condition or at least to suspect it as the cause of the patient's symptoms, may allow the lining of the gut to rupture.
Surgery would involve the removal of the relevant section of the gut in the hope of alleviating the patient's symptoms.
Even once a patient has a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, it is vital that they are closely monitored. Occasional flare-ups of their condition may suggest a deterioration of their gut health. It is essential that any deterioration is dealt with promptly before the patient risks a perforated, or ruptured bowel.
Medical negligence
A patient who has suffered a ruptured bowel and peritonitis or sepsis can find that their whole life has been affected. Their capacity to work may be reduced and their income may be compromised as well as their confidence and their general well-being.
If you or a loved one are suffering the impact of a perforated bowel due to a delay in medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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