Dr. Harinath Sheela, MD

Dr. Harinath Sheela, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Orlando, 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 (407) 384-7388 to schedule.

Dr. Harinath Sheela, MD is a gastroenterologist in Orlando, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Sheela brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Spartan Health Sciences University, School Of Medicine, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, and completed an internship at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Subsequently, he completed residency training in Gastroenterology at University Of Ct School Of Med, Northeastern Ohio University School Of Medicine, and further specialized through fellowship training at Yale University, and Yale School Of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health-Health Central Hospital. He is experienced in Esophageal Disorders, Pancreatic Disease, and Gastrointestinal Disorders, and is fluent in Hindi and Telugu, offering consultations in both languages. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

Here at Digestive and liver Center of Florida, our goal is to offer sophisticated medical care in a warm and caring environment to our patients. We specialize in all Gastrointestinal and Liver diseases. We also have a Medical Research Center where patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. In our Liver Center we see patients with various liver diseases including Hepatitis C. Dr. Sheela's extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to preventative care and personalized treatment plans, makes him an exceptional partner in your health journey.

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

• Vascular Insufficiency of Intestines: Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes is crucial for preventing vascular insufficiency in your intestines, a condition that can significantly affect your digestive health.
• Viral Hepatitis: Early detection of viral hepatitis through regular blood tests is crucial for starting treatment promptly and preventing serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices, such as managing stress and avoiding NSAIDs, are crucial for preventing duodenal ulcers and maintaining digestive health.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis – early detection and management can prevent serious complications and improve your long-term well-being.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Preventing complications from cyclical vomiting, such as electrolyte imbalances and esophageal damage, requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive health.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: A strong immune response to Hepatitis B vaccination significantly reduces your risk of developing chronic liver disease, a key aspect of comprehensive digestive health.
• Ileus: Ileus, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber to support regular bowel movements.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders affect how your esophagus moves food, and catching them early through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like difficulty swallowing or nutritional deficiencies.
• Malnutrition: Early detection of malnutrition can prevent serious complications like weakened immunity and digestive issues, ensuring better long-term health.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Preventing complications from Mallory-Weiss syndrome, characterized by esophageal tears, relies on promptly addressing underlying causes such as alcohol abuse and eating disorders, thereby emphasizing the need for early intervention.

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

• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• 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.

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. Harinath Sheela 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 diligently managing blood sugar and blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of vascular insufficiency in the intestines, fostering a healthier digestive system and a more positive outlook on their future.
• By scheduling regular blood tests and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing serious complications from viral hepatitis, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By consistently managing stress and avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a duodenal ulcer, promoting lasting digestive well-being.

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. Harinath Sheela:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for digestive health.

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. Sheela will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Sheela can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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

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

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. Harinath Sheela for a thorough evaluation.

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 is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet is a cornerstone of IBS management. Dr. Sheela can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

100 N Dean Rd
Orlando FL 32825
Phone: (407) 384-7388

Dr. Harinath Sheela, 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): 1619931409

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. Harinath Sheela 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.