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.
Advanced-Stage Liver Cirrhosis (ASLC) is a condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impeding the liver's ability to filter toxins, aid digestion, and produce vital proteins. As cirrhosis advances, patients may develop fluid buildup in the abdomen, bleeding complications, and low blood cell counts.
He reviews your health history, alcohol use, and risk factors, then characterizes your epigastric pain-its onset, location, intensity and any triggering factors.
We check liver enzymes (AST, ALT), bilirubin, albumin and platelet counts to assess liver function and rule out other causes of upper-abdominal pain.
Rarely, a liver biopsy confirms cirrhosis or an upper endoscopy evaluates varices and other potential sources of epigastric pain.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
ASLC is a short-term inflammation of the colon that usually resolves on its own within days to weeks. It often follows an infection or minor gut insult.
Common triggers include bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, certain medications (like NSAIDs), or transient ischemia in the colon.
Symptoms often include sudden onset diarrhea, abdominal cramps, mild fever, and sometimes blood or mucus in the stool.
Diagnosis involves reviewing symptoms and medical history, stool studies to rule out pathogens, blood tests, and sometimes a colonoscopy if symptoms persist.
Treatment focuses on supportive care: hydration, a bland diet, and rest. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal agents and antispasmodics may help with symptoms.
Antibiotics are usually not needed unless a specific bacterial infection is identified. Most cases improve without antimicrobial therapy.
Consult your healthcare provider if diarrhea lasts more than two weeks, you have high fever, significant blood loss, severe pain, or signs of dehydration.
