Dr. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez, MD

Dr. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL, with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. She is affiliated with Anna Jaques Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Cruz-Gonzalez earned her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (Unibe) Escuela De Medicina and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Cruz-Gonzalez provides consultations primarily in English. Call (239) 561-7337 to schedule an appointment.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez 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. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez 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. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez 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:

• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers damage to the small intestine, and early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet can prevent long-term health problems.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis, if left untreated, can lead to more severe health problems; proactive monitoring and treatment are key to safeguarding your digestive well-being.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Infectious diarrhea, often caused by contaminated food or water, can be prevented through careful hygiene practices and safe food handling, protecting you from dehydration and serious complications.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively is crucial for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, both essential for overall digestive health and preventing future problems.
• Abdominal Pain: Managing abdominal pain effectively prevents it from becoming a chronic problem that impacts your overall health and well-being.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Regular check-ups are crucial for early identification of diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, as timely management can prevent serious digestive problems down the road.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Biliary cirrhosis is a serious liver disease caused by long-term damage to the bile ducts, and preventing it involves managing underlying conditions like gallstones and primary sclerosing cholangitis to avoid irreversible liver damage.
• Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome: Understanding CVS and its triggers can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of debilitating vomiting episodes, improving overall well-being.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis through regular blood tests and screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.
• Viral Hepatitis: Regular check-ups and proactive monitoring for viral hepatitis, especially if you have risk factors, can help ensure early intervention and better long-term outcomes for your liver and overall health.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Taking steps to prevent or manage GERD, such as dietary changes and medication, can safeguard your digestive system's health and prevent future problems.
• Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcers, sores in your stomach or intestine, highlight the importance of proactive digestive health management, encompassing regular checkups and addressing risk factors to prevent serious outcomes.

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

• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez 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 understanding their family history and proactively managing potential risks, a patient was able to identify and address gluten sensitivity early, preventing future complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By diligently following a personalized care plan, a patient proactively managed their chronic gastritis, reducing the risk of future complications and enjoying improved digestive health.
• By understanding safe food handling and hygiene practices, a family proactively reduced their risk of infectious diarrheal disease, enjoying peace of mind during their travels.

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. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez:

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.

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. Cruz-Gonzalez will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like 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 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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

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. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez for a thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, allowing for the identification and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small investment for your long-term health and peace of mind.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, helping to prevent colorectal 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 it to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

8380 Riverwalk Park Blvd Ste 200
Fort Myers FL 33919
Phone: (239) 561-7337

Dr. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez, 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): 1023014958

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. Irma Cruz-Gonzalez 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.