Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can feel like a daily challenge. Symptoms like belly pain, diarrhea, and fatigue can make even simple tasks difficult. At Gastrodoxs.com, we believe you shouldn't go through this alone. A gastroenterologist (GI doctor) can guide you from diagnosis to long-term relief. In this guide, we’ll explain how a GI specialist supports you with Crohn’s and colitis, why expert care matters, and what personalized treatment looks like—especially if you're in Houston.
Early care helps prevent complications. The Mayo Clinic recommends early diagnosis and treatment.
Wondering if you need a specialist? General doctors help with basic care, but IBD is complex. A GI doctor offers expert, focused care.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri from Gastrodoxs Houston says:
"IBD isn’t one-size-fits-all. We use advanced tools to monitor inflammation and adjust treatments. That means fewer flares and a better life."
Here’s how GI doctors manage IBD:
Dr. Pothuri explains, "Some people do well with medicine. Others need surgery. We create plans that fit each person’s needs."
The CDC says that coordinated care can reduce hospital stays and improve quality of life.
Dr. Pothuri says, "We use lab results to guide your treatment. Then we fine-tune it until your inflammation is under control."
| Feature | General Practitioner | Gastroenterologist |
| Training | Primary care | Digestive disease specialist |
| Tools | Basic tests | Scopes, imaging, labs |
| Medication Options | Common meds | Advanced IBD treatments |
| Diet Advice | General tips | Personalized diet plans |
| Follow-up Care | Occasional visits | Regular, scheduled care |
| Support Team | Refers to others | Works with full care team |
IBD can be hard to manage alone. But with the right GI care, you can feel better and take control of your health. At Gastrodoxs.com and in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and our team offer expert, personalized help. Start your care plan today—you don’t have to face IBD on your own.
Take the first step. Schedule your visit at Gastrodoxs.com today.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and manages Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis using scopes, lab tests, and specialized treatments.
You should see a gastroenterologist within a few weeks of persistent symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Diet can help control symptoms but is rarely sufficient on its own; most patients also require medication for optimal disease management.
Common treatments include aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids for flares, immunomodulators, and biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways.
Colonoscopies are generally recommended every 1–2 years, depending on disease type, duration, severity, and individual cancer risk factors.
Yes. Gastrodoxs Houston offers board-certified gastroenterologists with specialized expertise in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Surgery is considered when medications and other therapies fail to control disease or complications arise; it may involve bowel resection or colectomy.
Absolutely. Telehealth visits allow you to discuss symptoms, adjust treatments, and review test results remotely, increasing convenience and continuity of care.
Regular exercise, stress management techniques, sufficient sleep, and a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet all support long-term IBD control.
For trusted information, visit the Mayo Clinic’s Crohn’s Disease overview or the NIH’s Ulcerative Colitis fact sheet.
