Dr. Erin Barth, MD

Dr. Erin Barth, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at Associates in Digestive Health - Fort Myers in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to helping all ages maintain optimal digestive health. 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. Dr. Barth is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (239) 772-3636 to schedule.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Barth brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences in 2014 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Barth comes to Associates in Digestive Health from her most recent appointment at Kaiser Permanente in North California, having previously held private practice in Phoenix and served eight years as a physician for the USAF. Known for her patience and attentive listening skills, she has earned a high rating with patients. Her special interest is Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and she offers consultations in French. Dr. Barth is a gastroenterologist at Associates in Digestive Health in Fort Myers, FL, emphasizing patient-centered care that prioritizes prevention and proactive management of digestive health concerns.

Dr. Barth's background includes experience across diverse patient populations, from military to civilian settings and now in the vibrant community of Fort Myers. She enjoys spending her free time hiking, kayaking, and exploring new cuisines, reflecting her own commitment to a holistic and active lifestyle. She maintains a strong connection to her community, having family in Sarasota. This passion for well-being, coupled with her extensive training and experience, makes her an invaluable partner in your journey towards optimal digestive health.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Colon Cancer: Managing your risk factors for colon cancer, such as diet and lifestyle choices, combined with preventative screenings, reduces your chances of developing this disease.
• Hiatal Hernia: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn can help prevent or lessen the severity of hiatal hernias and related complications like esophageal damage.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Preventive healthcare strategies for infants include awareness of pyloric stenosis symptoms; early detection leads to timely treatment and a better outcome.
• Esophageal Varices: Regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have a history of liver disease, are crucial for early detection of esophageal varices, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Managing IBD effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent debilitating symptoms and potential complications like colon cancer, underscoring the importance of proactive care.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Early detection of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is vital, as timely intervention minimizes the risk of severe liver damage and improves your quality of life.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis is a condition where reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation and damage, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors like heart disease to protect your digestive health.
• Hemorrhoids: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common yet often preventable anorectal condition.

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

• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a preventative measure to screen for various conditions affecting the anus and rectum, allowing for timely interventions to improve your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• Hemorrhoid Banding: Hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively eliminate painful hemorrhoids, improving your comfort and preventing further complications.
• Hemorrhoid Treatment: Don't let hemorrhoids impact your quality of life. Seeking treatment offers relief and can help you avoid future problems.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your 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. Erin Barth 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 adopting a healthy diet and weight management plan, a patient significantly reduced their reflux symptoms and enjoyed a more comfortable, symptom-free life.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule and lifestyle recommendations, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing a peptic ulcer, ensuring a healthy digestive system. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By understanding the early warning signs of gastroparesis and working with a gastroenterologist on a proactive management plan, a patient avoided serious complications and maintained a healthy lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Erin Barth:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Barth and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We 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. Barth will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Barth can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Erin Barth for a thorough evaluation.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Barth can help you identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 digestive tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

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 important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage such as cirrhosis.

Associates in Digestive Health - Fort Myers
13051 University Dr Ste 101
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 772-3636

Dr. Erin Barth, 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): 1972765055

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. Erin Barth 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.