Notice: Information on a Vendor Data Security Incident at Veradigm. Read more details.
706-722-9011

Locations

Piedmont Augusta

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Breast Health Center

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 205
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus

2260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Piedmont Augusta
ER
Wait
Time
18
min *

Serving Our Community for Over 200 Years

Piedmont Augusta (formerly University Hospital) serves the Augusta-Richmond County area and 25 counties across two states. The hospital is an 812-bed acute-care facility and part of a multi-campus system that includes three hospitals, a heart and vascular center, prompt and primary care, home health and private physician offices. Founded in 1818 as City Hospital, Piedmont Augusta has since moved through four facilities to its present location, which opened in 1970, and includes its Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road.

Piedmont Augusta offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical and surgical care that includes emergency services, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, oncology, bariatrics and weight management, robotic surgery and women’s services. Our cardiovascular services include state-of-the-art treatments for advanced cardiac conditions – including the Left Ventricular Assist Device, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and MitraClip for severe mitral valve regurgitation – and vascular conditions – such as the Fenestrated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft and the Penumbra Indigo® System for minimally invasive clot removal in arteries and veins.

Piedmont Augusta at Summerville Campus, formerly University Hospital, was founded in 1952 and joined the Piedmont family on March 1, 2022. The hospital is known for its comprehensive diagnostic services, including cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, and osteoporosis treatment.

It offers a 24-hour, 15-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed inpatient unit and new and enhanced imaging services. Outpatient services include Wound & Hyperbaric Services, Diabetes Services, Full-service Lab, Sleep Lab, Coumadin Clinic, Primary Care and Piedmont Heart. It offers these services in the Summerville Medical Building and in the newly renovated Occupational Medicine suite.


Other awards and recognition include:

  • Comprehensive Stroke Center
  • The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines ®- Stroke Quality Award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke(sm) Honor Roll Therapy award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award
  • ACE™ Accreditation by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
  • IAC® Accreditation by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
  • Credentialed DNV GL - Healthcare VAD Facility/CMS Certified Ventricular Assist Device Program
  • Piedmont Augusta receives Cycle Five Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • BCBS Association designates Piedmont Augusta a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
  • Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons
  • Credentialed as a Ventricular Assist Device facility by DNV GL
  • Full Cycle Five Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee and hip replacement from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for Piedmont Augusta’s Breast Health Center, the first established breast center in our area
  • Named No. 1 in the region by “US News & World Report” and ninth in Georgia
  • Ranked “High Performing” in nine reportable conditions or procedures by “US News & World Report,” including:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Colon cancer surgery
    • Heart failure
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Kidney failure
    • Knee replacement
    • Hip replacement
    • Diabetes

Piedmont Augusta (formerly known as University Hospital) became part of Piedmont Healthcare on March 1, 2022 – expanding quality health services to our community.

*Piedmont Augusta complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Piedmont MyChart

Download Piedmont MyChart

  • Connect with your care team
  • See your test results
  • Request Rx refills
  • eCheck-in before you walk in 

Download the app today!

Get Piedmont MyChart on Google Play Get Piedmont Mychart on iTunes App Store
Piedmont Augusta Hospital | Piedmont Healthcare
Notice: Information on a Vendor Data Security Incident at Veradigm. Read more details.
706-722-9011

Locations

Piedmont Augusta

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Breast Health Center

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 205
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus

2260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Piedmont Augusta
ER
Wait
Time
18
min *

Serving Our Community for Over 200 Years

Piedmont Augusta (formerly University Hospital) serves the Augusta-Richmond County area and 25 counties across two states. The hospital is an 812-bed acute-care facility and part of a multi-campus system that includes three hospitals, a heart and vascular center, prompt and primary care, home health and private physician offices. Founded in 1818 as City Hospital, Piedmont Augusta has since moved through four facilities to its present location, which opened in 1970, and includes its Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road.

Piedmont Augusta offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical and surgical care that includes emergency services, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, oncology, bariatrics and weight management, robotic surgery and women’s services. Our cardiovascular services include state-of-the-art treatments for advanced cardiac conditions – including the Left Ventricular Assist Device, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and MitraClip for severe mitral valve regurgitation – and vascular conditions – such as the Fenestrated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft and the Penumbra Indigo® System for minimally invasive clot removal in arteries and veins.

Piedmont Augusta at Summerville Campus, formerly University Hospital, was founded in 1952 and joined the Piedmont family on March 1, 2022. The hospital is known for its comprehensive diagnostic services, including cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, and osteoporosis treatment.

It offers a 24-hour, 15-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed inpatient unit and new and enhanced imaging services. Outpatient services include Wound & Hyperbaric Services, Diabetes Services, Full-service Lab, Sleep Lab, Coumadin Clinic, Primary Care and Piedmont Heart. It offers these services in the Summerville Medical Building and in the newly renovated Occupational Medicine suite.


Other awards and recognition include:

  • Comprehensive Stroke Center
  • The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines ®- Stroke Quality Award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke(sm) Honor Roll Therapy award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award
  • ACE™ Accreditation by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
  • IAC® Accreditation by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
  • Credentialed DNV GL - Healthcare VAD Facility/CMS Certified Ventricular Assist Device Program
  • Piedmont Augusta receives Cycle Five Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • BCBS Association designates Piedmont Augusta a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
  • Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons
  • Credentialed as a Ventricular Assist Device facility by DNV GL
  • Full Cycle Five Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee and hip replacement from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for Piedmont Augusta’s Breast Health Center, the first established breast center in our area
  • Named No. 1 in the region by “US News & World Report” and ninth in Georgia
  • Ranked “High Performing” in nine reportable conditions or procedures by “US News & World Report,” including:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Colon cancer surgery
    • Heart failure
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Kidney failure
    • Knee replacement
    • Hip replacement
    • Diabetes

Piedmont Augusta (formerly known as University Hospital) became part of Piedmont Healthcare on March 1, 2022 – expanding quality health services to our community.

*Piedmont Augusta complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Piedmont MyChart

Download Piedmont MyChart

  • Connect with your care team
  • See your test results
  • Request Rx refills
  • eCheck-in before you walk in 

Download the app today!

Get Piedmont MyChart on Google Play Get Piedmont Mychart on iTunes App Store

More <
bookmarks-menu

Sulfur

Sulfur is a naturally-occurring mineral that is found mostly near hot springs and volcanic craters. It has a distinct "rotten egg" smell, caused by sulfur dioxide gas escaping into the air. As a supplement, sulfur is available in two forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). About 15% of DMSO breaks down into MSM in the body. Both have been touted as treatments for pain.

MSM occurs naturally in some plants, such as horsetail, fruits and vegetables, some grains, and milk. MSM is important in joint health and helps form the connective tissues including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It may also reduce pain by slowing the nerve impulses that transmit pain signals.

DMSO is a chemical byproduct of paper making and is used as an industrial solvent, as well as for medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DMSO for intravesical use. That means it is instilled in the bladder by a doctor to treat interstitial cystitis. DMSO is also used in creams and taken by mouth for pain and other conditions. Unlike MSM, DMSO is absorbed through the skin.

Never use industrial-grade DMSO as a supplement. It may contain dangerous impurities. Talk to your doctor before taking DMSO internally or applying it to your skin.

Mud baths containing sulfur, often called balneotherapy, can help treat skin disorders and arthritis. Balneotherapy is one of the oldest forms of pain relief for people with arthritis. The term "balneo" comes from the Latin word for bath and means soaking in thermal or mineral waters. Some people claim these baths are useful for allergies and respiratory problems. But there is no scientific evidence for these uses.

People also apply sulfur products to the skin to treat acne and other skin conditions.

Many studies suggest there may be a connection between sulfur gases in the environment and the rise in allergy and respiratory illnesses, particularly asthma.

Skin disorders

Sulfur baths, and other methods for applying sulfur to the skin, may help treat:

  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Dandruff
  • Folliculitis, infected hair follicles
  • Warts
  • Pityriasis versicolor. A long-lasting skin disorder characterized by patches of skin that are a different color from the usual skin tone.

Arthritis

  • Balneotherapy. Well-designed studies, most conducted in Israel, suggest that balneotherapy can help treat several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis. People who took sulfur baths and other spa therapies saw improvements in their strength, had less morning stiffness, had better walking ability, and experienced less inflammation, swelling, and pain in their joints, particularly in the neck and back. Mud packs and Dead Sea salts dissolved in a regular bath tub also improved symptoms of arthritis, but not as effectively as soaking in the Dead Sea itself.
  • MSM. MSM is a popular supplement for treating the pain of arthritis, including both OA and RA. But there is not much scientific evidence that it works. One preliminary study suggested that 6,000 mg of MSM did improve pain and function without side effects in people with OA of the knee. Some preparations combine MSM with glucosamine to treat OA. One study suggests that this approach might help More research is needed.
  • DMSO. Several studies suggest that DMSO creams may reduce pain and swelling in people with RA and OA. But not all studies agree. Some find that DMSO is no better than placebo. More research is needed.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

One preliminary study found that taking 2,600 mg of MSM per day for 30 days reduced symptoms of seasonal allergies. More research is needed.

Shingles

Topical DMSO has been proposed as a treatment to relieve pain and inflammation of shingles (herpes zoster). Some evidence suggests it may reduce the number of lesions and lower inflammation. More research is needed.

Interstitial cystitis

Although research is limited, the FDA has approved DMSO to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder inflammation that causes frequent and nighttime urination, as well as pain. When DMSO is used to treat interstitial cystitis, a doctor inserts a liquid solution of DMSO directly into the bladder. General anesthesia may be needed because the procedure can be painful and may cause bladder spasms.

Amyloidosis

Several case reports suggest that DMSO, applied in creams or taken by mouth, may help treat amyloidosis, a condition where protein builds up in the body's organs and damages them. However, because the condition is rare, there are no scientific studies about DMSO and amyloidosis. Take DMSO, or apply it in creams, only under your doctor's supervision.

 

Dietary Sources

MSM is found in protein-rich foods, such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. Other good sources include garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ.

Available Forms

Sulfur supplements are available in two main forms: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Healthy people who eat a well-balanced diet do not usually need extra sulfur. However, people who follow a vegan diet may be at risk for sulfur deficiency.

Ointments, creams, lotions, and dusting powders containing sulfur are available to treat skin rashes. Natural sulfur baths, the kind usually found at hot springs, may help ease pain associated with arthritis.

How to Take It

Pediatric

Do not give sulfur to a child.

Adult

There is no recommended dietary allowance for sulfur. Most people get all they need from their diet.

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Researchers believe MSM is safe, however, you should talk to your doctor before taking large doses of this or any other supplement. Studies show sulfur may make you more sensitive to the sun.

Do not take DMSO internally except under your doctor's supervision. Side effects of taking DMSO internally include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Used topically, DMSO can cause skin irritation.

When applied to the skin, DMSO will drive whatever else it contacts into hte body. Take care to avoid any chemicals or lotions that are not meant to be absorbed into the body. Mixing them with DMSO can produce ill effects. Speak to your doctor.

If you have diabetes, asthma or liver, kidney or heart conditions, do not use DMSO. Never take industrial-grade DMSO.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use DMSO.

Possible Interactions

There are no reports to suggest that MSM interacts with any conventional medications. However, DMSO may interact with a number of other medications. Talk to your doctor before using DMSO.

Side effects may include allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Some people may also experience redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.

Supporting Research

Barrager E, Veltmann JR, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. A multi-centered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(2):167-73.

Brien S, Prescott P, Lewith G. Meta-analysis of the related nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide and methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 May 27. [Epub ahead of print].

D'Amato G, Liccardi G, D'Amato M. Environmental risk factors (outdoor air pollution and climatic changes) and increased trend of respiratory allergy. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2000;10(3):123-8.

Elkayam O, Ophir J, Brener S, Paran D, Wigler I, Efron D, Even-Paz Z, Politi Y, Yaron M. Immediate and delayed effects of treatment at the Dead Sea in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2000;19(3):77-82.

Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94.

Moldwin RM, Evans RJ, Stanford EJ, Rosenberg MT. Rational approaches to the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis. Urology. 2007 Apr;69(4 Suppl):73-81. Review.

Pain. MSM: does it work? Harv Health Lett. 2000;25(10):7.

Parcell S. Sulfur in human nutrition and applications in medicine. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(1):22-44.

Ring J, Eberlein-Koenig B, Behrendt H. Environmental pollution and allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2001;87(6 Suppl 3):2-6.

Simon LS, Grierson LM, Naseer Z, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) compared with those of topical placebo, DMSO vehicle and oral diclofenac for knee osteoarthritis. Pain. 2009;143:238-45.

Theoharides TC. Treatment approaches for painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis. Drugs. 2007;67(2):215-35. Review.

Usha PR, Naidu MUR. Randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and their combinations. Clin Drug Invest. 2004;24:353-63.

Verhagen AP, de Vet HC, de BIE RA, Kessels AG, Boers M, Knipschild PG. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library. Issue 4, 2000. Oxford: Update Software.

von Mutius E. The environmental predictors of allergic disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2000;105(1 Pt 1):9-19.

Wolverton. Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. 2012.

Zhou J, Liu JH, Jin Y, Ouyang XL, Yang LG. Protective effects of DMSO on function of lyphilized human platelets. Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2007;15(6):1284-8.

Review Date: 10/19/2015

Reviewed By

Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by the A.D.A.M Editorial team.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

All
Videos
Images
 
 
 

 

 
 
Back To Top

 
© 1997-ADAM Company Logo All rights reserved.
Piedmont Augusta Hospital | Piedmont Healthcare
Notice: Information on a Vendor Data Security Incident at Veradigm. Read more details.
706-722-9011

Locations

Piedmont Augusta

1350 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Breast Health Center

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 205
Augusta, GA 30901

Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus

2260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Piedmont Augusta
ER
Wait
Time
18
min *

Serving Our Community for Over 200 Years

Piedmont Augusta (formerly University Hospital) serves the Augusta-Richmond County area and 25 counties across two states. The hospital is an 812-bed acute-care facility and part of a multi-campus system that includes three hospitals, a heart and vascular center, prompt and primary care, home health and private physician offices. Founded in 1818 as City Hospital, Piedmont Augusta has since moved through four facilities to its present location, which opened in 1970, and includes its Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road.

Piedmont Augusta offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical and surgical care that includes emergency services, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, oncology, bariatrics and weight management, robotic surgery and women’s services. Our cardiovascular services include state-of-the-art treatments for advanced cardiac conditions – including the Left Ventricular Assist Device, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and MitraClip for severe mitral valve regurgitation – and vascular conditions – such as the Fenestrated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft and the Penumbra Indigo® System for minimally invasive clot removal in arteries and veins.

Piedmont Augusta at Summerville Campus, formerly University Hospital, was founded in 1952 and joined the Piedmont family on March 1, 2022. The hospital is known for its comprehensive diagnostic services, including cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, and osteoporosis treatment.

It offers a 24-hour, 15-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed inpatient unit and new and enhanced imaging services. Outpatient services include Wound & Hyperbaric Services, Diabetes Services, Full-service Lab, Sleep Lab, Coumadin Clinic, Primary Care and Piedmont Heart. It offers these services in the Summerville Medical Building and in the newly renovated Occupational Medicine suite.


Other awards and recognition include:

  • Comprehensive Stroke Center
  • The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines ®- Stroke Quality Award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke(sm) Honor Roll Therapy award
  • The American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award
  • ACE™ Accreditation by Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
  • IAC® Accreditation by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
  • Credentialed DNV GL - Healthcare VAD Facility/CMS Certified Ventricular Assist Device Program
  • Piedmont Augusta receives Cycle Five Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • BCBS Association designates Piedmont Augusta a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care
  • Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health
  • Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons
  • Credentialed as a Ventricular Assist Device facility by DNV GL
  • Full Cycle Five Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee and hip replacement from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Blue Distinction Center+ designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross Blue Shield®
  • Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for Piedmont Augusta’s Breast Health Center, the first established breast center in our area
  • Named No. 1 in the region by “US News & World Report” and ninth in Georgia
  • Ranked “High Performing” in nine reportable conditions or procedures by “US News & World Report,” including:
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Colon cancer surgery
    • Heart failure
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Kidney failure
    • Knee replacement
    • Hip replacement
    • Diabetes

Piedmont Augusta (formerly known as University Hospital) became part of Piedmont Healthcare on March 1, 2022 – expanding quality health services to our community.

*Piedmont Augusta complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Piedmont MyChart

Download Piedmont MyChart

  • Connect with your care team
  • See your test results
  • Request Rx refills
  • eCheck-in before you walk in 

Download the app today!

Get Piedmont MyChart on Google Play Get Piedmont Mychart on iTunes App Store