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Acid Reflux

Discover comprehensive acid reflux care in Houston with Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a board-certified gastroenterologist offering personalized diagnosis and treatment. Learn about symptoms, causes, lifestyle modifications, medications, and advanced procedures designed to relieve heartburn, prevent complications, improve your quality of life.

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Harris County Medical Society
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Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. 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.

What Is Acid Reflux?

  • Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (food pipe).
  • Often causes heartburn, chest discomfort, or a sour taste.
  • Chronic reflux is coded K21.9 (GERD) and can damage the esophageal lining.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Eating large or high-fat meals, or lying down soon after eating
  • Consuming trigger foods-spicy, fatty, or acidic (citrus, tomatoes, chocolate)
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Hiatal hernia or hormonal changes in pregnancy
  • Stress and poor sleep habits

Signs and Symptoms

  • Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), especially after meals
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid into the throat or mouth
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Chronic cough, throat clearing, or hoarseness
  • Feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat (globus sensation)

Expert Treatment for Acid Reflux by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your symptom pattern (heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain), diet, lifestyle, medications and performs a focused abdominal and chest exam.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

A flexible scope inspects your esophagus, stomach and duodenum for inflammation, ulcers, hiatal hernia or Barrett's changes.

Esophageal pH and Impedance Monitoring

  • 24-hour pH study quantifies acid exposure in the lower esophagus.
  • Impedance testing detects both acid and non-acid reflux events and correlates them with your pain episodes.

Barium Swallow X-Ray

Evaluates structural issues such as strictures, motility disorders or hiatal hernia that can contribute to reflux and epigastric discomfort.

Esophageal Manometry (as needed)

Measures esophageal muscle contractions and lower esophageal sphincter pressure, especially if surgical intervention is being considered.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for acid reflux.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes

  • Smaller, more frequent meals to ease stomach burden
  • Avoid known triggers: citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, spicy or fatty foods
  • Elevate the head of the bed to prevent nighttime reflux
  • Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
  • Maintain a healthy weight through diet, outdoor walks, or biking

2. Medications

  • Antacids for quick, temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid
  • H2 blockers to decrease daily acid production
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for stronger, long-term acid control
  • Personalized medication selection and monitoring for side effects

3. Minimally Invasive and Advanced Procedures

  • Endoscopic therapies to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter
  • Laparoscopic fundoplication to wrap the stomach around the esophagus and prevent reflux
  • Other advanced options tailored to your anatomy and symptom severity
45K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 45K 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 acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Common triggers include large meals, fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, obesity, hiatal hernia, and stress.

What lifestyle and dietary changes help manage reflux?

Eat smaller meals more frequently, avoid known trigger foods (citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, alcohol), quit smoking, lose excess weight, and elevate the head of your bed. Dr. Pothuri will customize a plan that fits your routine.

How long should I try diet changes before taking medicine?

Give diet and lifestyle modifications two to four weeks. If you still experience heartburn or regurgitation, it's time to discuss medication options with your doctor.

When are prescription medications needed?

If lifestyle changes alone don't control symptoms, Dr. Pothuri may recommend H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production and promote healing of the esophagus.

Are PPIs safe for long-term use?

Yes, under medical supervision. Dr. Pothuri will monitor you for potential side effects and adjust treatment as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

When should surgery be considered?

Surgery or endoscopic procedures are considered when medications and lifestyle changes fail to control symptoms or if complications arise. Minimally invasive options like fundoplication can provide lasting relief.

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