Final answer:
Clients under prolonged stress may develop peptic ulcers, with the primary cause being Helicobacter pylori infection. Stress alone has not been conclusively shown to cause ulcers absent of H. pylori. Treatment typically includes antibiotics to remove the bacterial infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clients experiencing prolonged stress are at risk for developing peptic ulcers, especially when associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. These ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum. Although lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and stress were once believed to influence the development of peptic ulcers, the predominant cause is now understood to be infection with H. pylori, a discovery that earned a Nobel Prize for scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.
The pathogen's survival in the stomach's low pH environment, combined with other factors like the chronic use of NSAIDs, contributes to the erosion of the stomach mucosa, leading to peptic ulcers. It's important to note that although stress is still considered a contributing factor, it is not proven to cause peptic ulcers independently of H. pylori infection. Treatment often involves the administration of antibiotics to eradicate the infection and promote healing.