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Diseases Of Stomach And Duodenum

At GastroDoxs in Houston, our experienced gastroenterology team specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the stomach and duodenum, delivering comprehensive personalized care, advanced endoscopic procedures, and compassionate support to help patients find lasting relief and improve their digestive health.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Are Diseases of the Stomach and Duodenum?

Diseases of the stomach and duodenum involve your upper digestive tract-specifically the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). They can include inflammation, ulcers, infections, or problems with how food moves through your system. In early stages, physicians may label them as "disease of stomach and duodenum, unspecified" (ICD-10 K31.9) or "other diseases of stomach and duodenum" until tests pinpoint the exact cause.

Common Symptoms

While symptoms vary by condition, you may experience:

  • Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
  • Bloating or feeling full quickly
  • Nausea or occasional vomiting
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss

Causes

These conditions can arise from a range of factors:

  • H. pylori infection - a bacterium that causes ulcers and chronic inflammation
  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) that irritate the stomach lining
  • Stress, poor diet, spicy foods, caffeine, and smoking
  • Autoimmune gastritis - when the immune system attacks the stomach lining
  • Functional disorders - muscle or nerve problems impairing digestion
Treatment

Treatment Options for Diseases of the Stomach and Duodenum in Houston

Treatment includes medications, diet modifications, stress management, and procedures:

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Lower stomach acid to relieve pain, heartburn, and promote ulcer healing.
  • Antibiotics: Eradicate H. pylori infection when present to prevent ulcers and inflammation.
  • Prokinetics: Improve gastric motility to reduce bloating, nausea, and fullness.
  • Diet modifications: Eat small, frequent meals; avoid spicy, fried, acidic, and caffeine-rich foods.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy digestion.
  • Stress management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or gentle exercise to lower symptom triggers.
  • Endoscopy & Biopsy: Directly visualize and sample tissue from the stomach or duodenum to confirm diagnosis.
  • Follow-up care: Regular appointments and testing to monitor progress and adjust your personalized treatment plan.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

Your path to digestive wellness starts here. Don't ignore upper belly discomfort-book your appointment with our Houston-based gastroenterology specialists today. Call us or schedule online to receive personalized, expert care for stomach and duodenal conditions.

11.5K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 11.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a "disease of stomach and duodenum unspecified"?

It usually means symptoms are unclear. Tests like endoscopy help confirm the cause.

How does H. pylori affect the stomach or duodenum?

H. pylori is a common bacterial infection that can cause ulcers and long-term inflammation in the stomach and duodenum.

What does "other diseases of stomach and duodenum" mean?

It's a general term used while we run additional tests to narrow down and confirm the exact diagnosis.

What lifestyle tips help manage these problems?

Eat smaller, more frequent meals; avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy or acidic foods; and practice stress-reduction techniques.

Can GastroDoxs perform all needed tests?

Yes. At GastroDoxs we offer comprehensive diagnostics-blood work, imaging studies, and endoscopy-all in one location.

Are proton pump inhibitors safe long term?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally safe when monitored. We will adjust your treatment plan if any side effects occur.

How fast will I feel better after treatment starts?

Many patients notice improvement within a few days, though complete healing may take several weeks depending on the condition.

Are these conditions hereditary?

Some digestive disorders can run in families, but bacterial infections, medication use, and lifestyle factors often play a larger role.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?

Most insurance plans don't require a referral, but it's best to check your policy or contact us if you're unsure.

How do I book for "disease of stomach and duodenum unspecified" (ICD-10 code K31.9)?

Call GastroDoxs or book online. Provide your ICD-10 code, and our team will guide you through the next steps.

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