Final answer:
A perforated ulcer creates a hole in the stomach wall, potentially causing peritonitis, and must be surgically repaired. These are caused by peptic ulcers which develop in the stomach's lining, commonly due to Helicobacter pylori infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hole in the stomach wall caused by a gastric ulcer is known as a perforated ulcer. Perforated ulcers represent a serious complication and can lead to peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum, a lining that surrounds the abdominal organs. These cases are a medical emergency and require surgical repair for treatment due to the risk of infection and potential severe complications.
Peptic ulcers, which include both gastric and duodenal ulcers, are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum, primarily due to an infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Other contributing factors may include the chronic use of certain medications (like NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress. Symptoms of peptic ulcers can vary from abdominal pain, often worsening at night, to vomiting and weight loss, although some patients may experience no symptoms at all.
To prevent ulcers and their complications, it's important to avoid ingesting items that may degrade the protective mucus lining of the stomach, such as foods that irritate the stomach, and to follow medical advice for managing conditions that increase stomach acid production.