Dr. Azzam Muftah, MD

Dr. Azzam Muftah, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Access Health Care Physicians, LLC in Brooksville, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 285-9750 to schedule.

Dr. Azzam Muftah is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and specializes in gastroenterology at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida. He received his medical degree from the University of Damascus/Faculty of Medicine, and completed residencies in Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. His practice encompasses a wide range of conditions and procedures, including colonoscopy, colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, diverticular disease, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and ulcers. He's committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Muftah offers consultations in Arabic.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Azzam Muftah 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. Azzam Muftah 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. Azzam Muftah 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:

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an esophageal condition where immune cells cause inflammation; proactive monitoring and prompt treatment are vital to prevent long-term damage and difficulties with swallowing.
• Congenital Achalasia: Managing congenital achalasia effectively through early identification minimizes the risk of esophageal damage, ensuring healthier eating habits and improving quality of life.
• Heartburn: Managing heartburn effectively through diet and lifestyle modifications, or medication if necessary, is crucial for preventing damage to your esophagus and promoting better digestive health.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Understanding your family history for FAP is key to proactive healthcare; early detection and management of this inherited condition prevents the development of colorectal cancer and improves your long-term health.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Managing your alcohol consumption is crucial in preventing alcoholic hepatitis, a condition that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.
• Esophagitis: Early detection of esophagitis is crucial to prevent serious complications like esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups.
• Ascites: Ascites, or fluid buildup in your abdomen, can be a serious sign of underlying liver disease, so regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Experiencing frequent gas and bloating? Don't ignore it – seeking professional advice can help pinpoint the cause and prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Ischemic Colitis: By managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing ischemic colitis and protect your colon's health.
• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Early detection of alcoholic cirrhosis is crucial for preventing irreversible liver damage; regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you drink heavily, are vital.
• Duodenal Cancer: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco, may reduce your risk of developing duodenal cancer, a cancer that affects the first part of the small intestine, making early detection all the more crucial.

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. Azzam Muftah 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: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your health, a proctosigmoidoscopy helps identify polyps or other irregularities in your lower digestive tract, preventing potential issues before they become major problems.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Anoscopy: As part of your routine healthcare, an anoscopy offers a direct visual assessment of your anal canal and rectum, facilitating the early detection and management of any concerning changes.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.

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. Azzam Muftah 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:

• Following a proactive gastroenterology-led plan, a patient experienced a significant reduction in EoE symptoms, enabling them to enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free daily life.
• By proactively managing their congenital achalasia, a family experienced significantly reduced risk of esophageal issues, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling daily life.
• By adopting a heartburn-friendly diet and incorporating regular exercise into her daily routine, a patient significantly reduced her instances of discomfort and improved her overall digestive well-being. This proactive approach empowered her to enjoy meals without worry and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

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. Azzam Muftah:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who has extensive training in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and performing preventive screenings like 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Muftah will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows us to identify potential problems that may be missed by other methods.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice, persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Azzam Muftah for a thorough evaluation.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. These tests can detect potential issues, but if positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to fully evaluate and remove any polyps.

Access Health Care Physicians, LLC
15205 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville FL 34613
Phone: (352) 285-9750

Dr. Azzam Muftah, 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): 1417918988

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. Azzam Muftah 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.