Herlieni Escalera, APRN

Herlieni Escalera, APRN is a Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at Digestive and Liver Center of Florida in Orlando, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine. She practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to 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.

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. Herlieni APRN is a gastroenterology specialist in Orlando, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She believes in a proactive approach to care, emphasizing early detection and management of digestive issues. Please call (407) 384-7388 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Herlieni APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Perirectal Abscess: Preventing perirectal abscesses involves practicing good hygiene and promptly addressing any anal fissures or infections to avoid the development of this potentially serious condition.
• Angiodysplasia: Managing angiodysplasia, a condition affecting blood vessels in your gut, is crucial to prevent significant blood loss and maintain your overall digestive health.
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Early recognition of NEC symptoms in infants can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the vital role of preventative health checks and prompt medical intervention.
• Acute Abdominal Pain: Sudden, sharp abdominal pain can signal a serious digestive issue, making early attention crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Foreign Body in Throat: Regular check-ups and awareness of potential choking hazards can significantly decrease your risk of experiencing a foreign body in your throat.
• Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli Infection: Managing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection promptly reduces the risk of life-threatening complications, emphasizing the importance of quick medical attention.
• Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is a common infection that can be prevented through good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing, thus reducing the risk of severe dehydration.

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

• Therapeutic ERCP: Therapeutic ERCP is a specialized procedure used to correct problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing serious conditions and improving your overall digestive health through early intervention.
• Hemorrhoid Treatment: Take a proactive step towards better digestive health by addressing hemorrhoids, preventing complications like infections and pain.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Pancreatic Biopsy: To ensure the health of your pancreas, a biopsy involves a small sample being removed for microscopic examination, aiding in the early diagnosis of conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Hemorrhoidectomy or excision of anal tags is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids or skin tags around the anus, improving comfort and preventing further complications.
• Endoscopic Polypectomy: Taking charge of your digestive health, endoscopic polypectomy allows for the early detection and removal of abnormal growths in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future 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. Herlieni APRN 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 proactively addressing anal discomfort and practicing meticulous hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a perirectal abscess, gaining peace of mind and improved quality of life.
• By proactively working with a gastroenterologist to understand and manage their angiodysplasia risk factors, a patient felt empowered to take control of their digestive health, reducing the possibility of significant blood loss.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a family felt reassured knowing their infant's risk of necrotizing enterocolitis was significantly reduced. Early intervention strategies provided peace of mind and helped ensure the best possible outcome.

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. Herlieni APRN:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in 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. Herlieni will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

IBD, like Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation and damage to the GI tract. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without visible inflammation or damage.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps, preventing potential cancer.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic 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 potential progression to more serious liver 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. Herlieni APRN for a thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern preparation solutions are much gentler than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Digestive and Liver Center of Florida
100 N Dean Rd Ste 101
Orlando FL 32825
Phone: (407) 384-7388

Herlieni Escalera, APRN 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): 1194330175

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. Herlieni APRN 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.