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Esophageal Ulcer
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating esophageal ulcers with personalized care. Using advanced endoscopy, tailored medications and lifestyle guidance, he aims to relieve pain, promote healing and prevent complications for comfort and improved health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is an Esophageal Ulcer?
A sore or lesion in the lining of the esophagus
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach
Can cause pain, bleeding, scarring or infection if left untreated
Frequent use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
Infections such as Candida (yeast) or herpes simplex virus
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
High stress levels and poor diet
Radiation therapy or accidental chemical injury (rare)
Signs and Symptoms
Burning or aching pain in the chest
Pain or difficulty when swallowing (odynophagia, dysphagia)
Sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat
Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
Unintended weight loss
Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood (indicates bleeding)
General weakness from blood loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Esophageal Ulcers?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your symptoms (chest pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn), medication use (NSAIDs, aspirin), lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol), and any prior treatments.
Upper Endoscopy
A thin, flexible endoscope is passed into the esophagus to look for ulcers, inflammation, or scarring. Biopsy samples are taken if needed to rule out infections or other causes.
Laboratory Testing
Biopsied tissue and blood tests can detect infections such as Candida or herpes and check for H. pylori if clinically indicated.
pH Monitoring & Impedance Testing
These studies measure acid and non-acid reflux episodes over 24 hours to determine if acid exposure is contributing to ulcer formation.
Imaging Studies (if needed)
Barium Swallow X-Ray to assess for strictures, rings, or structural abnormalities.
CT Scan in complex or refractory cases to evaluate surrounding tissues.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for esophageal ulcers.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to minimize reflux
Avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods that can irritate the esophagus
Do not eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime and elevate the head of your bed
Quit smoking and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors to lower stomach acid production
H2-receptor blockers for mild to moderate symptoms
Sucralfate to coat and protect ulcerated areas
Antibiotics or antifungals when infections (e.g., Candida or herpes) are present
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic therapy to control bleeding from ulcers
Dilation to open strictures caused by scarring
Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus or pre-cancerous changes
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if heartburn is actually an esophageal ulcer?
If your chest pain lasts longer than usual, you have trouble swallowing, or you notice bleeding signs (like black stools), you may have an ulcer. An upper endoscopy by a specialist is needed to confirm it.
What is the difference between an esophageal ulcer and cancer?
An ulcer is a sore in the lining of the esophagus, while cancer involves abnormal cell growth. During endoscopy, Dr. Nguyen can take a biopsy to distinguish between the two.
How long does it take for an esophageal ulcer to heal?
With proper treatment—medications to reduce acid and protective agents—most esophageal ulcers heal in four to eight weeks.
Can esophageal ulcers come back?
Yes. Recurrent ulcers are often linked to ongoing acid reflux or frequent NSAID use. Lifestyle changes and medical therapy help prevent future ulcers.
Do I need surgery to treat an esophageal ulcer?
Surgery is rarely needed. Most ulcers respond well to medications and lifestyle modifications. Advanced endoscopic therapies can manage complications without open surgery.
Is an upper endoscopy safe?
Yes. Upper endoscopy is a routine, minimally invasive procedure with a very low risk of complications when performed by an experienced gastroenterologist like Dr. Nguyen.
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