Perforation of the stomach
Perforation of the stomach usually occurs in patients who have previously suffered from stomach conditions, such as stomach ulcers or silent ulcers (patients who were not aware of having an ulcer).
Symptoms may include:
Pain is immediate and very strong, and usually begins while the patient is completely at rest. The patient perspires heavily and feels as though they are being stabbed (this is the moment in which the perforation itself occurs).
Cold sweats, pallor, anxiety, potentially vomiting and a hunched over posture to ‘protect’ the stomach could also accompany the pain. The pain subsides after a few minutes (this is a misleading development), and later on spreads to the entire abdomen (belly) and intensifies while doing so. The abdomen (belly) hardens, and after a few hours a fever develops.
This diagnosis requires surgery within the first 6-8 hours, in order to prevent loss of life. Following the spillage of the stomach contents into the abdomen, peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity) develops.
This phenomenon renders the patient’s condition more severe. This is why the patient is recommended to immediately see a medical professional. Upon feeling pain, the patient must seek immediate medical help within the first few hours, otherwise, the patient faces higher risks.
A perforation of the stomach means a hole in the stomach has been created, from which the contents of the stomach spill in the space between other organs in the abdomen.
Symptoms may include: severe sudden stomach pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting. Pain is immediate and very strong, and usually begins while the patient is completely at rest.
In order to determine the diagnosis of perforation of the stomach an X-ray for air fluid levels in the stomach and abdominal ultrasound is recommended.
Prevention methods which depend upon the lifestyle choices of the patient include: a balanced diet, cessation of smoking, limiting the consumption of NSAID drugs, etc.