Final answer:
Perforated peptic ulcer disease presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rigid abdomen, due to perforation leading to peritonitis. Emergency surgery is typically required to repair the damage. Diagnosis often involves endoscopy and testing for H. pylori to prevent such severe complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A perforated peptic ulcer disease typically presents with severe abdominal pain, which may be sudden and intense, often described as a sharp or stabbing pain that may radiate to the back or shoulders. This occurs because the ulcer has created a hole in the stomach or duodenal wall, leading to peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum. Patients may also exhibit signs of nausea, vomiting, and a rigid or board-like abdomen due to irritation of the peritoneum. In severe cases, signs of septic shock such as low blood pressure and rapid heart rate may occur.
Emergency surgery is often required to repair the perforation and prevent further leakage of gastric contents into the abdominal cavity. Treatment may also include antibiotics to fight off infection, particularly against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production and aid in healing.
Diagnosis of peptic ulcers often includes an endoscopy, where a camera is used to visualize the upper GI tract, as well as testing for H. pylori. These diagnostic steps are critical before a perforation occurs to allow for appropriate management and to prevent complications that require surgical intervention.