Perforation of the stomach and duodenal ulcer is one of the dangerous acute complications of stomach or duodenal ulcers. The condition occurs when the ulcer ruptures the stomach or duodenal wall, causing digestive fluid and bacteria to flood into the abdominal cavity. The characteristics of the pain can help detect this complication early.
Sudden pain, fierce like a knife stab
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, a typical symptom is a sudden onset of pain with intense intensity, usually starting in the epigastric region, right below the sternum. Patients may feel a sharp, sharp pain like a "knife stabbing", different from the type of silent pain often encountered when stomach ulcers have not yet had complications.
The pain usually lasts and does not subside when resting or changing posture. Patients may feel increased pain when exercising, coughing, laughing, or breathing deeply.
Pain spreads throughout the abdomen
Initially, pain concentrates in the epigastric region, then can quickly spread to both sides and down to the lower abdomen. When gastric juice and bacteria flood into the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum is irritated, causing the pain to become more diffuse and intense.
Abdominal stiffness, bloating
Along with abdominal pain, the patient may experience a stiff, painful abdomen when touching or pressing on the abdomen. The abdominal wall may be as hard as "wood" due to the reaction of the peritoneum with digestive fluid escaping.
Nausea, vomiting and possibly vomiting blood
Nausea and vomiting may appear accompanied by severe pain. Vomiting usually does not help reduce pain. In cases where the ulcer causes damage to blood vessels, the patient may vomit blood, this is a sign that needs emergency care.
Pain with fever, fatigue
When the inflammation progresses, the patient may have a fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue and weakness. This may be a sign that complications are progressing severely.
Perforation of the stomach and duodenal ulcer needs to be detected and treated urgently. When sudden, severe, widespread abdominal pain appears, accompanied by a stiff abdomen or other abnormal signs, patients need to quickly go to a medical facility for examination, avoiding the risk of peritonitis and septicemia.
