Blog Archive

The average lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is approximately 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. As many as 53,010 people are expected to die of colon cancer in 2024.  Your lifestyle, genetics, and age all influence your personal risk of developing colon cancer. If...

Approximately 2.4 million Americans have a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes debilitating digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While these conditions pose challenges to your gut health, they’re treatable and the symptoms are manageable.  Here at GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and the entire team are...

Your colon is your large intestine. When your colon and your rectum — the final stop for waste in your body — become inflamed, you may experience unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain. A chronically inflamed colon and rectum may be the result of the autoimmune condition known as ulcerative colitis,...

Many chronic liver diseases, including fatty liver disease and hepatitis B and C, have the potential to damage your liver and cause scars to form. The more scar tissue there is, the stiffer your liver becomes, which affects how it functions. Scar tissue reduces blood flow to the organ, resulting...

Chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a widespread digestive issue, and experts estimate that it affects approximately 20% of people in the United States. With acid reflux and GERD, the stomach contents of gastric secretions and food flow back into the esophagus.  When you experience acid reflux...

Regular screenings for colon cancer, through colonoscopy, should start at age 45 – or younger if you have specific risk factors. Compared to getting no cancer screenings, colonoscopies reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 31% and cut the risk of dying of that cancer by 50%. Colonoscopy is an important medical procedure...

Fiber is essential for your digestive health. Here at GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and our experienced staff recommend you get at least 21-30 grams of fiber daily to experience extraordinary health benefits. Despite fiber’s multiple benefits, it's often missing from patients’ diets. If you’re struggling with getting enough fiber, we share why you should...

The sensation that food is stuck in your throat is both distressing and uncomfortable. If you or a loved one experiences it regularly, it could be a sign of dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing. People with dysphagia may also experience pain when they swallow.  Dysphagia can range from mild to severe,...

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) accounts for as many as 3.5 million doctor visits per year.  Most people can manage their IBS with diet and lifestyle changes, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to flare-ups. It’s not entirely clear to doctors and researchers what causes IBS, but triggers include food, stress, caffeine, artificial...

It’s not uncommon to experience feelings of fullness and bloating after eating a large, rich meal. While this is often indicative of annoying gas pain, it could also mean you have gallstones. Because gas pain and gallstones have similar symptoms, it’s important for you to understand the difference between the...

If you struggle with constipation for three months or longer, it’s considered chronic. As a board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri of GastroDoxs treats patients to help them improve this frustrating, uncomfortable, and, sometimes, painful condition. Getting treatment for your constipation starts with determining why you’re having problems in the first...

If your loved one is among the 100,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed this year, you definitely have questions about treatment options. The best care plan depends on the type and stage of cancer, the possible side effects, and the patient’s health and preferences.  As a board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr....

If you frequently feel the burning sensation in your chest that’s the hallmark sign of acid reflux, you need relief. If you experience these symptoms occasionally, you have gastroesophageal reflux. But, up to 20% of people in the United States experience acid reflux chronically and are diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Dr....

Diverticula are pouches that form on the lining of the colon, where weak places give way under pressure. As a result, marble-sized pouches push through the colon wall. If your colon has diverticula, you have a condition called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is quite common; it occurs in about 10% of people who...

You probably swallow without thinking much about it, but the action is actually quite complex, requiring the cooperation of about 30 nerves and muscles. When the process of swallowing doesn’t happen as it should, you have dysphagia.  Dysphagia can show up as pain while swallowing. You may also choke on foods or...

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States with more than 106,000 new cases diagnosed last year. The colon is your large intestine, and it’s essential to removing waste from your body.  You probably know that experts, like our own Dr. Bharat Pothuri here at GastroDoxs, recommend you start...

Abdominal pain is common, but it can feel scary. As many as 10% of visits to the emergency room are due to abdominal pain. Usually, abdominal pain resolves on its own when food poisoning, cramps, or the virus passes, but abdominal pain can signal something serious is going on and that you need...

Constipation isn’t something most people talk about, but about 16% of American adults experience it regularly. The condition is even more common among adults 60 and older.  An occasional case of constipation is normal. It can be the simple result of long travel, illness, or pregnancy. Constipation can also be a result...

Almost 180 million people in the United States experience a bout of acute diarrhea every year. Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that pass more often than your usual schedule. Acute cases of diarrhea may be due to something you ate, a short-term stomach bug, or medication, like antibiotics. However, if...

It’s understandable to be concerned after noticing bright red blood after you wipe or seeing dark streaks in your stool. Although most causes of rectal bleeding are treatable and not serious threats to your health, rectal bleeding can sometimes indicate a serious medical condition.  If you notice rectal bleeding, it’s important that...

The occasional case of heartburn is normal, but if you suffer symptoms of acid reflux more than two times a week, you may have chronic acid reflux, which is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can give you a burning discomfort, make you belch, and cause bloating after almost every meal....

The irritating and even painful sensation of having something stuck in your throat can happen to anyone. But, if it’s persistent and causes you chronic irritation, coughing, and difficulty in swallowing your own saliva, it could indicate a serious medical condition. If you’re struggling with these symptoms, you may have dysphagia....

It’s predicted that about 106,000 new cases of colon cancer and 45,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022. The rates of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer are on the decline, primarily because people prioritize screening through colonoscopies.  Our gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, at GastroDoxs...

More than 43% of American adults are obese. Obesity can seriously affect your health and raise your risk of developing many chronic diseases and uncomfortable symptoms, including acid reflux.  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is chronic acid reflux. It creates uncomfortable burning in the back of the throat due to stomach...

You notice a bit of blood on the paper after you wipe or in the bowl after you go. Or maybe your stool is streaked with blood. It’s normal to be concerned about these findings. Usually, rectal bleeding is due to something relatively benign, like hemorrhoids. But, it’s a good...

An endoscopy is a procedure used for diagnosis and, sometimes, treatment of problems in the digestive tract. Dr. Bharat Pothuri — here at GastroDoxs in Cypress, Texas — uses a flexible tool affixed with a light and tiny camera to view your insides. Images from your digestive tract are projected...

Acid reflux, aka heartburn, happens when stomach acid moves up into your esophagus. You experience uncomfortable burning, nausea, burping, and serious stomach fullness. Chronic reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Acid reflux happens when the valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn’t close all the way or...

If you’re suffering from hard stools or infrequent bowel movements, it’s likely due to an inadequate intake of fiber and other lifestyle habits. Constipation is not pleasant. The good news is that you can do something about it.  Of course, if constipation is accompanied by severe pain or blood in...

If you notice blood in the toilet bowl, in your stool, or on the paper after you wipe, take notice. Rectal bleeding can indicate hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcers, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Some of these conditions are life-threatening, and all can be uncomfortable and of concern.  A one-off...

You may think of a colonoscopy as an inconvenient, uncomfortable test that involves a lot of prep and impersonal examination. While the screening isn’t really something to look forward to, it’s an essential part of your preventive health care. A colonoscopy examines the lining of your entire colon. It identifies...

Everybody has a different elimination schedule. Some people poop daily or more than once a day, while others may go every few days. You’re considered constipated if you have a bowel movement three or fewer times per week.  An illness, dietary changes, or certain medications can cause temporary constipation. And...

Colon (or colorectal) cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. In most cases, colon cancer is preventable and, if caught early, very treatable, so regular screenings are important.  A person with an average risk factor for colon cancer benefits from regular screenings, like colonoscopies, starting...

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are collectively known as irritable bowel disease (IBD). These two conditions cause serious inflammation in your digestive tract. IBD flare-ups are characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, unintended weight loss, and blood in the stool.  If these symptoms aren’t bad enough, you’re also...

Swallowing seems like it should be an automatic activity, but some people have difficulty getting down food, liquids, and even saliva. This problem, called dysphagia, can cause pain, discomfort, malnutrition, and other serious medical problems. Swallowing isn’t as easy as it might seem. It requires the coordination and function of...

You’ve turned 45, and your primary care doctor has recommended that you start getting routine colonoscopies. You’ve heard of the hassle of prep and the slight discomfort following the procedure. You feel just fine, so why should you follow their advice and contact us at GastroDoxs to schedule your colonoscopy?...

Rectal bleeding is a concerning symptom that deserves a consultation with a specialist like Bharat Pothuri, MD, of GastroDoxs. It can be a sign of a relatively benign issue like hemorrhoids or of something far more serious, like colorectal cancer.  Not all rectal bleeding shows up in the same way....

Abdominal pain is not something you should live with. You may notice it after eating or it may sit with you most of the day. Often, it’s accompanied by nausea, vomiting, gas, and bloating.  Abdominal pain has many causes, many of which originate in your digestive tract, which means our...

As many as 20% of adults in the United States experiences symptoms of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This chronic disorder affects your esophagus, a muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach. GERD is a condition characterized by chronic acid reflux, chest pain, and a sour taste in...

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions cause redness, swelling, and pain in your intestines. If you have IBD, you need expert care from a board-certified gastroenterologist like Bharat Pothuri, MD, of GastroDoxs. The following signs are a good indication you may be...

Swallowing is an action you do so regularly, you don’t even notice. But, if you have trouble with swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia, it can cause medical and psychological issues. Dysphagia can make you drool, choke or gag, or feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest....

Acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, causes a burning in your chest that often increases in intensity at night. You might also experience periodic symptoms like difficulty swallowing, a sensation of a lump in your throat, and regurgitation of food. These symptoms are uncomfortable, unpleasant, and sometimes life-disrupting. Most people...

When you notice blood in your stool, it can understandably raise your alarm bells. You can suspect the blood is coming from your rectum when you notice bright red or maroon blood in your stool, on a piece of toilet paper after you wipe, or a trickle in the toilet...

Food intolerances are hard to track, but it’s estimated that 2-20% of people suffer from them. Unlike an allergy, which involves a reaction from your immune system, intolerances involve the gastrointestinal tract. In the 30 minutes to 48 hours after eating a food that you’re truly intolerant to, you experience...

The loose watery stools that define diarrhea can be concerning and uncomfortable. Usually, however, your case is acute and due to a minor, passing infection or something you ate or drank. If you have diarrhea that lasts for longer than a few days or as long as four weeks or...

You do everything right to suppress your acid reflux. You avoid spicy foods and alcohol. You leave plenty of time between dinner and bedtime. You eat small meals, and you even quit smoking. Good for you – you’re doing a great job of managing your condition. Flare-ups can still occur,...

When you have uncomfortable and concerning digestive problems, getting a picture of what’s actually going on inside your body is the key to diagnosis. An upper endoscopy at GastroDoxs allows Bharat Pothuri, MD, to get such an image.  During the procedure, a thin tube with a light and camera attached...

Millions of Americans complain of digestive problems. Some are diagnosable conditions that require medical intervention from an expert such as board-certified gastroenterologist Bharat Pothuri, MD at GastroDoxs here in Houston, Texas. But many digestive complaints aren’t associated with a specified medical condition. Rather, they’re the result of lifestyle habits. At...

Not counting skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Americans. Colon cancer affects your large intestine, the last stage of the digestive tract. Colorectal cancer starts as small polyps that form inside your colon and can...

Constipation affects up to 1 in 3 American adults. Older adults and women are at greatest risk. Constipation is usually characterized as: Having fewer than three bowel movements per week Having stools that are hard or dry A feeling that stool hasn’t passed completely Having stools that are hard or...

When you find blood in your stool, it’s a cause for concern – but not panic. While the presence of blackness in your stool, a streak of red upon wiping after a bowel movement, or blood detected in a test ordered at our office can signal something serious is going...

Most common in people older than 50, a hiatal hernia affects up to 60% of people older than 60. It’s a condition that occurs when the upper part of your stomach pushes through the hiatus and into your chest. The hiatus is a small opening in the diaphragm muscle through which...

People usually take swallowing for granted, until it becomes difficult and even painful. This could indicate a condition known as dysphagia. When you have dysphagia, you can’t swallow liquids, foods, or even your own saliva safely. Sometimes people lose the ability to swallow altogether due to complex problems with neural...

Most people experience an occasional bout of acid reflux, commonly called heartburn. But chronic reflux is a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it’s anything but occasional. GERD causes a frequent backflow of stomach acid into your esophagus. You may experience chest pain, heartburn, and the unpleasant regurgitation of...

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you probably live with abdominal pain, gas and bloating, chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or an uncomfortable mixture of these. IBS can affect anyone, even children, but is more common in women. IBS can impact your life quite severely, interfering with your social...

In most cases, rectal bleeding is not a sign of something serious -- but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the symptoms. While the most common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids, in some cases rectal bleeding is the indication of a serious disease such as colon cancer. At GastroDoxs,...

At least 15 million people in the United States experience daily heartburn, and many of these people have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This chronic condition can lead to esophageal damage, not to mention the discomfort and unpleasantness of burning sensations around your chest and upper belly. Anyone can get the...

Constipation can happen due to dietary changes, medications, or age, but usually these bouts are temporary and you resume a normal bathroom routine within a few days or weeks. However, some cases of constipation persist for a month or longer and interfere with your comfort and quality of life. Constipation...

Blood in your stool, in the toilet, or on the toilet paper can be concerning. In most cases, the blood is a result of a non life-threatening problem, such as anal fissures or hemorrhoids. You can’t be sure, however, of the cause of your rectal bleeding without an exam by...

The severe symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause extreme distress. If you suffer with IBD, you know the drill -- chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, bloody stools, and fatigue. Not only do these issues make every meal tough to navigate, they can interfere with your ability to...

You’ve been scheduled for a colonoscopy as a routine screening for colon or rectal cancer. Or maybe it’s necessary to investigate symptoms, such as bleeding from your anus, pain in your abdomen, unexplained weight loss, or changes in your bowel movements. You know to follow the preparatory instructions so you...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GE) is a result of a faulty lower esophageal sphincter. When this ring doesn’t close properly, the contents of your stomach leak back into your esophagus and affect the back of your throat to cause a burning in the chest. If you experience this heartburn sensation more...

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that has no cure. This doesn’t mean unpleasant symptoms can’t be managed, however. You can greatly reduce problems such as abdominal pain and cramping, excess gas, diarrhea, constipation, and mucus in the stool with certain lifestyle habits. While you may experience ebbs and...

Sometimes you have difficulty swallowing – but it passes and is really no need for concern. But some people suffer from a condition known as dysphagia -- a chronic difficulty swallowing -- and they don’t even know it. If chronic difficulty swallowing goes untreated, you’re at a higher risk for...

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but it’s also one that’s easy to beat – if you catch it early. Colonoscopies are indispensable in this fight against colon cancer. They screen you for this potentially fatal disease so polyps can be detected and removed before...

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes unpleasant symptoms that seriously interfere with your quality of life. The constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain associated with this condition that affects your large intestine is often triggered by certain foods. Know your triggers so you can avoid them and make choices that won’t...

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the trials and tribulations of getting a colonoscopy, most of which are associated with the preparatory process that involves taking laxatives to clear out your system. You may be happy to hear that you can delay the procedure until you’re age 50. This recommendation stands for...

Determining what is causing you to experience certain problems such as upper abdominal pain, nausea or difficulty swallowing cannot be done in a single office visit. Additional testing is often required to obtain valuable information and imaging that can help Dr. Pothuri get you a proper diagnosis. The most common...

If you seem attached to your toilet thanks to diarrhea, you may start to wonder if your bout of watery stools needs medical attention. Sure, everyone gets diarrhea occasionally, but when is it a sign that you should stop in to see a gastroenterologist? Look out for these signs so...

If you’re living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you’re not alone. Roughly three million adults have either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and deal with uncomfortable, frustrating symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, fatigue, and weight loss. While both types of IBD cause gastrointestinal inflammation, there are distinct differences between...

If you’re one of the nearly 60 million Americans living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you’re likely all too familiar with the anxiety that sets in at the thought of traveling. It’s bad enough to contend with uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea in a familiar setting, let...

“My tummy hurts” is probably one of the most frequent complaints parents will hear once their kiddos figure out how to string a few words together. And those bellyaches tend to follow us throughout all the stages and phases of life.Most bellyaches are temporary and may be due to overindulgence...

For men and women, turning 50 usually brings a mixed bag of emotions. While you look out toward the latter part of your life, you want to make sure you can enjoy every minute of it. And that’s where important cancer screenings like a colonoscopy come in.At GastroDox, our team...

An estimated 48 million Americans live with the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a long-term digestive disorder that’s often unpredictable. Symptoms vary from person to person, often change over time, and range from very mild to severe enough to interfere with your daily life. Figuring out if you...

Each year more than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer. Factors like obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise put you at risk, which means you can make positive changes to protect yourself. Early detection is an ace to have in your pocket. Roughly 90% of patients survive colon...

Understandably, noticing a bloody smear on your toilet paper or red-tinged water in the bowl after a bowel movement can trigger alarm bells. More often than not, however, the bleeding is due to conditions that resolve with relatively simple treatment measures. This might include a change in diet or medication...

For those who suffer, acid reflux is no picnic. If you’re prone to the condition, you know how its effects can spoil your impressions of a great meal. If acid reflux is chronic – called gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD – you may deal with the burning pain several times...