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Diarrhea

Experiencing persistent diarrhea? Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston offers expert evaluation-combining detailed diagnostics, personalized lifestyle guidance, and advanced treatments-to identify underlying causes and restore digestive health. Trust over 15 years of gastroenterology experience for relief and long-term comfort.

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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

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 Diarrhea?

  • Passing loose or watery stool three or more times a day
  • Short-term (acute): lasts a few days and often resolves on its own
  • Long-term (chronic): persists more than four weeks and may need evaluation

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Infections (viruses, bacteria, parasites)
  • Food intolerances (lactose, fructose, artificial sweeteners)
  • Medications (antibiotics, cancer treatments, antacids with magnesium)
  • Digestive disorders (IBS, IBD, celiac disease)
  • Stress, travel, or sudden diet changes

Signs and Symptoms

  • Loose or watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • Bloating and gas
  • Urgent or frequent bowel movements
  • Nausea or low-grade fever
  • Dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)

Expert Treatment for Diarrhea by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Exam

He reviews your symptom pattern-onset, stool frequency and consistency, epigastric pain characteristics, relation to meals, travel history, medication use, and any weight loss or night sweats. A focused abdominal exam checks for tenderness, distension, or masses.

Lab and Stool Tests

  • Stool studies for pathogens (bacteria, parasites, C. difficile) and fecal calprotectin to screen for inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Blood work including CBC for anemia or infection, electrolytes for dehydration, liver and pancreatic enzymes, and inflammatory markers (CRP).

Imaging Studies

  • Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate gallbladder, liver, and pancreas for stones or inflammation.
  • CT or MRI enterography if small-bowel disease, abscess, or structural abnormalities are suspected.

Endoscopy and Advanced Testing (if needed)

If initial tests are inconclusive or symptoms persist, he may recommend:

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) with biopsy to look for gastritis, ulcers, or celiac disease.
  • Colonoscopy to assess the colon and terminal ileum for IBD or microscopic colitis.
  • Breath tests for small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth or carbohydrate malabsorption.
  • Capsule endoscopy or motility studies in selected cases.
Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for diarrhea management.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

  • Increase fluids: water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions
  • Bland diet (BRAT): bananas, rice, applesauce, toast to ease digestion
  • Avoid irritants: spicy or greasy foods, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners
  • Introduce fiber or probiotics as tolerated to support healthy gut flora

2. Medications

  • Over-the-counter anti-diarrheals (e.g., loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate)
  • Prescription therapies for IBS or bile-acid-related diarrhea
  • Non-antibiotic drugs when stool tests rule out infection
  • Targeted antibiotics only if bacterial infection is confirmed

3. Advanced Diagnostics and Procedures

  • Stool studies and blood work to identify infections and assess hydration/nutrient status
  • Endoscopy or colonoscopy for direct visualization and biopsy of the GI tract
  • Imaging (CT/MRI) to evaluate structural causes when standard tests are inconclusive
10K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 10K 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 diarrhea in adults?

Diarrhea can result from infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), food intolerances, stress, travel, medications like antibiotics, or chronic gut conditions such as IBS or IBD.

When should I see a doctor?

Make an appointment if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, if you feel weak or dizzy, or if you notice blood or severe pain.

Can diarrhea be treated without antibiotics?

Yes. If there's no infection, treatment may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and over-the-counter or prescription symptom-control medications.

What foods should I avoid?

Until symptoms improve, avoid dairy, fried or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners that can irritate your gut.

How long should I wait before getting help?

If your diarrhea persists beyond two days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever or dehydration signs, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Can diarrhea be a sign of something serious?

Yes. Chronic or recurrent diarrhea may indicate conditions like IBS, IBD, celiac disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders that require specialized care.

How do I make an appointment?

Call GastroDoxs in Houston or visit our website to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bharat Pothuri.

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