Dr. Howard Sonderling, MD

Dr. Howard Sonderling, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his Boca Raton, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. 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 (561) 208-2121 to schedule.

Dr. Howard Sonderling, MD is a gastroenterologist in Boca Raton, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders. With a focus on preventive care, Dr. Sonderling earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1981, followed by an internship and residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He further specialized through a fellowship, deepening his expertise in gastroenterology. Dr. Sonderling is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Boca Raton Regional Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. This commitment to patient care, coupled with his extensive training and experience, makes him a valuable partner in your digestive health journey.

Our commitment is to ensure the South Florida Community receives the ultimate access to a broad range of high-quality gastroenterology services including diagnostics and treatments. Dedicated to excellence in gastroenterology care, we are sure you'll find that our Digestive CARE physicians are among the very best in Florida. Dr. Howard Sonderling provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pouchitis: Preventing pouchitis, a common complication after surgery for ulcerative colitis, involves adhering to dietary recommendations, taking prescribed medications, and promptly addressing any symptoms to avoid long-term problems.
• Proctoptosis: Managing underlying conditions like chronic constipation can help prevent proctoptosis by supporting the health of the rectum and reducing the strain on the muscles and tissues.
• Gastric Ulcer: Regular health monitoring, including endoscopy when indicated, is crucial for preventing serious consequences associated with gastric ulcers.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Preventative care plays a key role in managing esophageal motility disorders, as early diagnosis and treatment can minimize discomfort and prevent severe complications such as esophageal rupture.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Preventing long-term health issues from gastrointestinal malabsorption starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience symptoms like unexplained weight loss or diarrhea; early diagnosis allows for timely intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis through regular blood tests and screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.
• Enteritis: Managing underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can significantly reduce your risk of developing enteritis and its associated problems.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are vital for digestive well-being; preventing constipation proactively safeguards your overall health.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis is long-term inflammation of your stomach lining, and catching it early through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like ulcers or stomach cancer.
• Dysentery: Dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea, is preventable through diligent handwashing and safe food preparation practices, reducing your risk of infection and its complications.

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

• Anoscopy: To ensure the health of your lower digestive tract, an anoscopy is a simple examination that helps detect and prevent serious conditions by identifying them in their early stages.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• 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: 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): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• 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.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Gastroenterology procedures encompass a range of tests and treatments that help detect digestive problems early, allowing for prompt intervention and better health outcomes.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• 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.

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. Howard Sonderling 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 following a personalized dietary plan and medication regimen, a patient significantly reduced their risk of pouchitis, experiencing a greater sense of well-being and confidence in their long-term health.
• By addressing chronic constipation with dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced the risk of proctoptosis, gaining confidence in their overall digestive health. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free daily life.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan that included regular endoscopies, a patient successfully reduced their risk of developing serious gastric ulcer complications, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

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. Howard Sonderling:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Sonderling and our gastroenterology team 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 we perform 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Sonderling will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Dr. Sonderling can help diagnose this issue.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result from these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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, it's important to manage NAFLD to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is Celiac Disease?

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

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.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

2300 Glades Rd Ste 201E
Boca Raton FL 33431
Phone: (561) 208-2121

Dr. Howard Sonderling, 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): 1942239660

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. Howard Sonderling 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.