Ulcers

Ulcer pain isn’t like normal abdominal pain or a stomach ache. It's less of a roiling cramp and more of a burning sensation. You'll feel the difference. If your pain doesn’t settle with the help of antacids, and you experience nausea, bloating, vomiting, or a change in appetite, come to AdventHealth for help. Our leading gastroenterology team will talk with you about your symptoms and perform a number of exams to give you a quick and accurate ulcer diagnosis. These tests include:

• Blood Tests
• Breath Tests
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or Upper Endoscopy)
• Stomach Tissue Tests
• Upper Gastrointestinal Series (Barium Swallow)

If you’re feeling the burning pain and indigestion associated with an ulcer, you’re not alone. About 10 percent of adults experience an ulcer at some point in their lives. Ulcers are open sores on an organ that are caused by inflammation, and in most cases trace back to a bacterium in your system. Understanding where your ulcer is can help us figure out the steps to ease your pain and heal your body. Different types of ulcers include:

• Duodenal Ulcers
• Esophageal Ulcers
• Gastric Ulcers
• Intestinal Ulcers
• Peptic Ulcers
• Pyloric Ulcers
• Throat Ulcers

Once we locate your ulcer, we'll set you on an ulcer treatment plan that will help alleviate your pain.

Contrary to popular belief, ulcers are not caused by stress or spicy foods. They're caused by bacteria or the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Whatever the cause, ulcer pain is treatable. And AdventHealth is here to help with one of the best gastroenterology teams in the country. Your ulcer treatment options may include:

• Acid Pump Inhibitors
• Antibiotics
• Antrectomy
• H-2 Blockers
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Mucosal Protective Agents
• Pyloroplasty
• Vagotomy

Whatever treatment is right for your ulcer, we'll be with you throughout every phase of your treatment — from diagnosis to recovery — to lend the care and support you need.