Stomach Ulcer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A stomach ulcer (also called a gastric ulcer) is an open sore in the lining of your stomach. When ulcers occur in either the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum), they are called peptic ulcers.

In Grand Rapids, stomach ulcers are a common reason people visit primary care providers, urgent care clinics, and gastroenterology specialists at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

What Is a Stomach (Peptic) Ulcer?

Your stomach is a muscular “bag” in the upper abdomen that:

  • Receives food from the esophagus
  • Mixes it with gastric juices (including hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes)
  • Churns food into a paste-like mixture
  • Gradually passes it through a small muscle ring (sphincter) into the duodenum

The inside of the stomach is lined with a protective layer of cells and mucus called the gastric mucosa. A stomach ulcer occurs when this protective lining is damaged and acid creates a sore in the tissue.

Causes of Stomach Ulcers

Most stomach and duodenal ulcers are caused by one of two major factors:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection

Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium that lives in the stomach lining under the mucus layer. Its discovery in 1983 changed how doctors understand and treat ulcers.

  • H. pylori can damage the stomach’s protective lining.
  • The bacteria trigger inflammation by causing stomach cells to release chemicals called cytokines.
  • H. pylori directly causes about one-third of stomach ulcers and contributes to most others.

H. pylori infection can also cause:

  • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion: burning, bloating, or discomfort in the upper abdomen)

How H. pylori spreads

The infection can be transmitted by:

  • Sharing food or eating utensils
  • Contact with infected vomit
  • Contaminated water (including well water)

In West Michigan and the Grand Rapids area, people who grew up in areas with limited access to clean water or who have lived internationally may be at higher risk.

2. Medications (NSAIDs and Blood Thinners)

Certain medications weaken the stomach’s protective lining, especially when used regularly:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
    • Naproxen (Aleve)
    • Aspirin (even low-dose “baby” aspirin)

  • Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs, often prescribed in Grand Rapids for heart disease and stroke prevention:

    • Warfarin
    • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    • Aspirin

NSAIDs are thought to cause up to two-fifths of stomach ulcers. People in West Michigan who use these medicines for arthritis, chronic pain, or heart disease should discuss ulcer prevention with their doctor.

3. Other Causes and Risk Factors

  • Stomach cancer – can sometimes present like an ulcer, especially in older adults
  • Smoking – slows ulcer healing and increases risk of complications
  • Heavy alcohol use – irritates the stomach lining
  • Severe stress from critical illness or major surgery – can contribute to ulcers in hospitalized patients

Stress and diet alone are not the main causes of ulcers, but they can worsen symptoms.

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

Some people in Grand Rapids have no symptoms and only discover an ulcer during testing for other issues. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen (just below the ribcage)
  • Pain that may improve after eating or taking antacids, or sometimes worsen with food
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia) – fullness, bloating, or discomfort after meals
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Burping or acid reflux

Warning Signs of a Serious Ulcer (Medical Emergency)

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids (for example, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if you notice:

  • Vomiting blood – bright red or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Black, tarry, or very dark stools (digested blood)
  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain
  • Symptoms of anemia or shock, such as:
    • Light-headedness or fainting
    • Pale skin
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Shortness of breath
    • Cold, clammy skin

These can be signs of ulcer bleeding or a perforated ulcer, both life-threatening emergencies.

Ulcer Complications

1. Ulcer Bleeding

Bleeding from a stomach ulcer is a serious complication and is more common in:

  • Older adults
  • People on blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel/Plavix)
  • People with multiple medical conditions

Ongoing or heavy bleeding can cause anemia, weakness, and shock. Many Grand Rapids patients with bleeding ulcers are treated in local hospital emergency departments and intensive care units.

2. Perforated Ulcer

A perforated ulcer occurs when an untreated ulcer burns all the way through the stomach wall, allowing stomach contents and acid to leak into the abdominal cavity.

This is a medical emergency that usually requires immediate surgery at a hospital such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

How Stomach Ulcers Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Gastroenterologists and primary care providers in Grand Rapids use several tests to diagnose ulcers and H. pylori infection.

Endoscopy (Upper Endoscopy or EGD)

An endoscopy is the main test for diagnosing stomach ulcers:

  • A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through your mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and duodenum.
  • This is usually done under light sedation so you’re comfortable.
  • The doctor can see the lining of your stomach in detail and identify any ulcers or suspicious areas.

If a gastric ulcer is found:

  • The endoscopy is often repeated after treatment to confirm healing and to rule out stomach cancer.

Biopsy

During endoscopy, the doctor may take a small tissue sample (biopsy):

  • To test for H. pylori
  • To check for cancer cells, especially in older adults or if the ulcer looks unusual

A biopsy should always be done if a gastric ulcer is found.

C14 (Urea) Breath Test

The urea breath test is a noninvasive way to detect H. pylori:

  • You swallow a small amount of urea labeled with radioactive carbon (C14) or a non-radioactive version.
  • If H. pylori is present, the bacteria break down the urea, releasing carbon dioxide that can be measured in your breath.

For children and pregnant women in Grand Rapids, non-radioactive versions of the test are used.

Other Tests

Your provider may also order:

  • Stool antigen tests – to detect H. pylori
  • Blood tests – to check for anemia from bleeding
  • Follow-up breath or stool tests – to confirm H. pylori has been eliminated after treatment

Treatment for Stomach Ulcers in Grand Rapids

Treatment focuses on:

  1. Eliminating H. pylori infection (if present)
  2. Reducing stomach acid so the ulcer can heal
  3. Addressing medications or habits that contributed to the ulcer

1. Medications to Treat H. pylori

If you test positive for H. pylori, your Grand Rapids provider will usually prescribe combination therapy, which may include:

  • Two or more antibiotics (for example, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole)
  • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce acid (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.)

Key points:

  • These drugs are usually taken for 10–14 days.
  • Common side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, and rashes.
  • Antibiotic resistance is increasing, but about 80% of treatment courses are successful when taken correctly.
  • A follow-up breath or stool test is often done to make sure H. pylori is gone.

2. Acid-Suppressing Drugs

To help the ulcer heal, your doctor may prescribe:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – reduce acid production strongly and are the main treatment
  • H2 blockers – reduce acid less strongly but may be used in some cases
  • Antacids – can provide quick, short-term relief of symptoms

These medications are commonly prescribed by primary care doctors and gastroenterologists throughout Grand Rapids.

3. Changes to Existing Medications

If NSAIDs or blood thinners are contributing to your ulcer:

  • Your doctor may:
    • Lower the dose
    • Switch to a different medication
    • Add a protective anti-ulcer drug (like a PPI) if the medicine cannot be stopped

Never stop blood thinners or heart medications on your own; always work with your Grand Rapids provider.

4. Lifestyle Changes

While diet alone doesn’t cause ulcers, certain habits can help reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence:

  • Quit smoking – local support is available through the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids public health programs.
  • Limit alcohol – alcohol irritates the stomach lining.
  • Avoid foods that worsen your symptoms (spicy, very fatty, or acidic foods for some people).
  • Manage stress with exercise, counseling, or relaxation techniques.
  • During cold West Michigan winters, maintain regular meals and avoid excessive NSAID use for joint pain—talk to your provider about safer pain options.

Special ulcer diets are no longer considered essential, but balanced, moderate eating can support healing.

Stomach Ulcers and Michigan’s Seasonal Health

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan:

  • Cold winters can increase joint pain and headaches, leading many people to use more NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for relief—this can raise ulcer risk.
  • Seasonal illnesses like colds and flu may lead to more frequent use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • People spending more time indoors may share food and utensils more often, which can facilitate the spread of infections like H. pylori in some settings.

If you rely on pain relievers for arthritis or chronic pain, discuss ulcer prevention with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Make an appointment with a local provider if you have:

  • Ongoing burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
  • Indigestion that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications
  • Unexplained weight loss, nausea, or loss of appetite
  • Long-term use of NSAIDs or blood thinners plus new stomach symptoms

Emergency Care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if you have:

  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Black or tarry stools
  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain
  • Signs of shock (fainting, rapid heartbeat, cold/clammy skin)

Local Resources for Stomach Ulcer Care in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids or Kent County area, you can seek help from:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • Gastroenterologists at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department – for public health information and smoking cessation resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – for education on healthy lifestyle changes

Key Points About Stomach Ulcers in Grand Rapids

  • H. pylori bacteria and NSAID medications are the main causes of stomach ulcers.
  • Treatment usually includes antibiotics (to kill H. pylori) and acid-suppressing drugs (to help ulcers heal).
  • Some stomach ulcers cause no symptoms, but others lead to burning abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, and weight loss.
  • Bleeding ulcers and perforated ulcers are medical emergencies and require urgent care at a hospital.
  • People in Grand Rapids who regularly take NSAIDs, aspirin, or blood thinners should talk with their doctor about ulcer prevention and monitoring.