Dr. Nick Sharma, MD

About Dr. Nick Sharma, MD

Dr. Nick Sharma, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care at Gastroenterology Associates of S.W. Florida - Fort Myers in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As one of the largest GI practice management companies in the U.S., United Digestive fosters partnerships with physicians like Dr. Sharma, providing strong operational infrastructure to allow him to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. This collaborative environment, combined with his over 40 years of experience in Gastroenterological care, ensures patients receive compassionate care informed by a wealth of clinical knowledge. He brings a deep understanding of the complexities of the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Dr. Sharma provides comprehensive medical care for patients with disorders of the digestive system, serving all ages. His expertise stems from a rigorous educational background, including his medical degree from University Of Liverpool Faculty Of Health And Life Sciences in 1984, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at esteemed institutions. He further specialized with fellowship training at Case Western Reserve University in 1990, solidifying his expertise in this field. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Sharma is committed to the well-being of his patients and their families, and he is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 275-8882 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Hindi.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Nick Sharma addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Characterized by involuntary spasms in the esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasm results in difficulty swallowing and often, uncomfortable chest pressure.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: IBD encompasses diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis is a condition causing irritation and swelling in the upper part of your small intestine.
• Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened cholesterol or bilirubin deposits that can cause gallbladder pain.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: A neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract is an abnormal growth of cells in your digestive system, which can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction is a blockage that prevents food and waste from moving through your intestines.
• Congenital Achalasia: Congenital achalasia is a birth defect affecting the swallowing mechanism because the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax normally.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: This term refers to whether your immune system successfully clears a Hepatitis B infection or not.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes that appears in people beyond infancy, often caused by liver or bile duct issues.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: With PSC, inflammation and scarring block the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding is bleeding from the digestive tract.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Nick Sharma addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Gastroenterology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Gastroenterological Services Provided

Dr. Nick Sharma offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• High Resolution Esophageal Manometry: High-resolution esophageal manometry helps doctors understand the pressure changes in your esophagus during swallowing.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: Polyps were found and removed from the large intestine during a colonoscopy.
• Esophageal pH Monitoring: Esophageal pH monitoring is a test that measures the acidity levels in your esophagus to check for acid reflux.
• Esophagoscopy: An esophagoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted down your throat to examine your esophagus.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts.
• Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: This service helps diagnose problems swallowing.
• Bravo pH Testing: This test involves a small capsule that monitors the acidity levels in your esophagus to diagnose GERD or other reflux conditions.
• Wireless pH Testing: To diagnose and manage your acid reflux, a small, ingestible device will track stomach acid levels for a period of time, providing accurate information to your doctor.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can help your doctor assess and treat various conditions affecting your digestive system.
• Hepatitis A Screening: This service helps determine if you have hepatitis A.
• Liver Function Test: LFTs can detect liver damage or disease by analyzing specific substances in your blood sample.
• Ultrasound: Our gastroenterology ultrasound service uses sound waves to create images of your digestive organs, helping diagnose conditions.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Nick Sharma. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Gastroenterology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterologies in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Nick Sharma:

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist diagnoses, treats, and prevents a wide range of digestive diseases.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Nick Sharma?

Your first visit with Dr. Sharma will involve a detailed review of your digestive health symptoms and medical history. This will be followed by a physical examination and a discussion of potential diagnostic tests or treatment plans. Please bring a list of your medications and any prior test results to help Dr. Sharma provide the best possible care.

Does Dr. Nick Sharma accept my insurance?

We understand that verifying insurance coverage is important. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm Dr. Sharma's acceptance.

Does Dr. Nick Sharma treat liver conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease?

Dr. Sharma is experienced in diagnosing and treating liver conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. He utilizes a comprehensive approach, including blood tests, imaging, and potentially liver biopsies, to accurately assess the condition. He then develops personalized treatment plans to manage liver health and improve outcomes.

What should I do if I suspect I have gallstones?

If you suspect gallstones, especially with severe abdominal pain, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Sharma can perform diagnostic tests like an ultrasound to confirm the presence of gallstones and discuss appropriate management options, which may include observation or surgical intervention.

What non-surgical treatments does Dr. Nick Sharma offer for hemorrhoids?

Dr. Sharma offers several effective, minimally invasive procedures for internal hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoid banding and infrared coagulation. These in-office treatments are often successful in relieving symptoms and are a viable alternative to surgery. They are generally well-tolerated and recovery times are typically short.

Does Dr. Nick Sharma manage conditions of the pancreas, like pancreatitis?

Dr. Sharma is experienced in diagnosing and managing pancreatic conditions, including pancreatitis. He investigates potential causes, manages symptoms, and monitors for complications to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

What treatments does Dr. Nick Sharma offer for acid reflux and GERD?

Dr. Sharma offers a comprehensive approach to GERD management, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, medication options, and diagnostic testing like endoscopy or pH monitoring to tailor the most effective treatment plan.