What is a common complication of peptic ulcers if left untreated?

The correct answer is the perforation of the stomach lining, which is a severe complication that can occur if peptic ulcers are left untreated. Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. When these ulcers erode through the stomach wall, it can lead to perforation, resulting in the contents of the stomach leaking into the abdominal cavity, which can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as peritonitis.

Perforation can lead to extreme abdominal pain, fever, and a rapid decline in health that requires immediate medical attention. This complication is part of the reason why prompt treatment of peptic ulcers is critical to prevent such serious outcomes and potential surgical intervention.

The other choices are not common complications of untreated peptic ulcers. Weight gain is not typically associated with ulcers, as the discomfort and pain from them often lead to decreased appetite. Acid reflux may be associated with an increase in stomach acid, but it is not a direct complication of untreated peptic ulcers like perforation. Likewise, gallbladder stones do not have a direct link to peptic ulcers; they form due to different factors related to fat metabolism and cholesterol levels.