Dr. Alfred Nelson, MD

Dr. Alfred Nelson, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond treating existing conditions; he is a staunch advocate for prevention, recognizing that a proactive approach is key to maintaining optimal digestive health throughout life. Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages, and patients should call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Alfred Nelson, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Nelson has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Mayo Clinic In Florida and AdventHealth East Orlando. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Nelson's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing the highest quality care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and personalized attention. Dr. Alfred Nelson provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Alfred Nelson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Alfred Nelson can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Alfred Nelson provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Hepatitis C: Regular testing for Hepatitis C can help identify the virus early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious liver complications down the line.
• Ileus: Early detection of ileus, through awareness of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, is crucial to prevent serious complications like infection or bowel damage.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is a common symptom, but regular occurrences warrant a check-up. Addressing it promptly can prevent it from progressing into more serious conditions like Barrett's esophagus.
• Colorectal Polyp: Preventing colorectal cancer often starts with finding and removing colorectal polyps. This emphasizes the crucial role of regular screenings in maintaining good digestive health.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall digestive health.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices, such as managing stress and avoiding NSAIDs, are crucial for preventing duodenal ulcers and maintaining digestive health.
• Gastric Ulcer: Early treatment of a gastric ulcer prevents complications like bleeding, perforation, and the need for more extensive medical intervention.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Preventing complications from Mallory-Weiss syndrome, characterized by esophageal tears, relies on promptly addressing underlying causes such as alcohol abuse and eating disorders, thereby emphasizing the need for early intervention.
• Vomiting Disorders: Managing vomiting effectively prevents further damage to your esophagus and stomach lining, promoting better overall digestive health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Alfred Nelson offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Liver Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): To proactively safeguard your liver and pancreas, an ERCP can help diagnose and treat issues within your bile ducts and pancreatic duct system, preventing more significant health problems down the line.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Alfred Nelson is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• Recognizing early symptoms of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm, a patient proactively sought medical guidance, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By recognizing early symptoms and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, avoiding potential long-term complications and enjoying a better quality of life.
• By adhering to a proactive hepatitis C screening plan, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, knowing early detection could prevent potential liver complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Alfred Nelson:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Alfred Nelson and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system. We diagnose and treat conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, and perform preventive screenings such as colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Alfred Nelson will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Alfred Nelson can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can become cancerous over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer, preventing the disease.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to detect and prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or trouble swallowing.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like stool-based tests, but a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy for thorough evaluation and removal of any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

4500 San Pablo Rd S Fl 6
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Alfred Nelson, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1518329770

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Alfred Nelson are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.