Dr. Douglas Sprung, MD

Dr. Douglas Sprung, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Altamonte Springs, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Call (407) 261-0000 to schedule.

With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Sprung brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1980, followed by an internship and residency in Gastroenterology at Duke University, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He then pursued fellowship training in Lahey Clinic, further deepening his expertise. Dr. Sprung 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. He is affiliated with AdventHealth Altamonte Springs and AdventHealth Orlando, and offers consultations in Spanish. His practice philosophy, rooted in the belief that "What this patient needs is a doctor," underscores his commitment to providing exceptional care for every patient. He is eager to welcome new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding, even if minor, needs prompt attention as early detection can prevent serious complications like anemia and shock.
• Peptic Ulcer: Early detection of a peptic ulcer is crucial for preventing long-term damage and pain; regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are key to maintaining digestive health.
• Viral Enteritis: Preventing the spread of viral enteritis through vaccination and sanitation practices safeguards the health of your entire digestive system and community.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods.
• Gastric Ulcer: Early treatment of a gastric ulcer prevents complications like bleeding, perforation, and the need for more extensive medical intervention.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system involves being aware of gastrojejunal ulcers; lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent their formation and reduce the risk of severe complications.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Esophageal diverticula, pouches that can develop in your esophagus, are often manageable, but proactive healthcare can prevent them from causing problems like pain or inflammation.
• Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist and paying attention to digestive symptoms can help detect ulcers early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis through dietary adjustments and stress management can help prevent flare-ups and maintain the overall health of your digestive tract.
• Pancreatitis: Early detection of pancreatitis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term complications like chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic failure, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups if you're at risk.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia is a serious condition requiring close monitoring, as the abnormal cell growth increases your risk of cancer; preventing cancer is possible through regular check-ups and adhering to recommended treatments.

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. Douglas Sprung offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Investing in gastroenterology procedures ensures a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, helping detect issues early and facilitating effective treatment strategies to maintain long-term wellness.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Anal Cauterization: Anal cauterization is a minor procedure that can help stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, preventing further discomfort and complications.
• Infrared Coagulation (IRC) Hemorrhoid Removal: As a proactive step in managing hemorrhoidal disease, infrared coagulation offers a non-surgical treatment option to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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. Douglas Sprung 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:

• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient successfully identified and addressed early signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, preventing potential complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By attending regular checkups and openly discussing concerns with their gastroenterologist, a patient successfully identified and addressed early signs of potential peptic ulcer issues, reducing their risk of long-term complications and enjoying a healthier digestive system.
• By implementing improved sanitation practices and staying informed about preventative measures, a family significantly reduced their risk of viral enteritis, enjoying a healthier, more peaceful 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. Douglas Sprung:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is trained in the health of the entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, 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. Sprung will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a more serious condition like GERD. If you experience this, Dr. Sprung can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

IBD, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage. Our gastroenterologists can help determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small pill-sized camera, which takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to evaluate conditions like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Sprung can help diagnose this issue.

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.

205 Loraine Dr
Altamonte Springs FL 32714
Phone: (407) 261-0000

Dr. Douglas Sprung, 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): 1821196064

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. Douglas Sprung 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.