1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, causes upper abdominal discomfort after eating. Dr. Bharat Pothuri, an experienced gastroenterologist in Houston, offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment from diet modifications to endoscopic procedures. His personalized approach ensures relief and improved digestive health for every patient.

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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.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Overeating or eating too quickly
  • Fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Use of NSAIDs or certain antibiotics
  • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Family history of dyspepsia

Signs and Symptoms

  • Burning or pain in the upper abdomen
  • Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
  • Bloating and frequent belching
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Occasional pain radiating to the back

Expert Treatment for Dyspepsia by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your symptom timeline, eating patterns, stress levels, medication use and family history of digestive disorders. During the exam, he palpates the upper abdomen to pinpoint epigastric tenderness, bloating or other signs of dyspepsia.

Laboratory Tests

Blood work evaluates for anemia, inflammation markers and metabolic causes. Noninvasive H. pylori testing (breath, stool or serology) helps identify or rule out infection.

Upper Endoscopy

  • Direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect ulcers, gastritis or structural issues.
  • Targeted biopsies to exclude celiac disease, H. pylori or rare malignancies.

Functional and Imaging Studies (if needed)

Gastric emptying studies assess for delayed stomach motility (gastroparesis). An abdominal ultrasound can rule out gallbladder or biliary pathology that may mimic epigastric pain.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for dyspepsia.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals and chew slowly to ease digestion
  • Avoid caffeine, spicy foods, fatty meals, and alcohol that can trigger symptoms
  • Stay upright for at least two hours after eating to prevent discomfort
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to reduce stomach irritation
  • Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or behavioral counseling

2. Medications

  • Antacids to neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief
  • H2 blockers to decrease acid production throughout the day
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for stronger, longer-lasting acid control
  • Prokinetic agents to speed gastric emptying and reduce fullness

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) for direct visualization of the stomach lining
  • Endoscopic treatments to address ulcers, inflammation, or problematic tissue
  • Outpatient, same-day procedures when advanced intervention is needed
3.8K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 3.8K 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

Can dyspepsia be serious?

Most cases are mild. But if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's time to see a specialist.

How long does treatment take?

Many people feel better in four to six weeks with the right care.

Can stress cause indigestion?

Yes. Stress can increase stomach acid and slow digestion, worsening dyspepsia symptoms.

Is endoscopy painful?

No. Light sedation is used, and most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.

Does H. pylori always cause symptoms?

No. Some people carry the bacteria without symptoms. Treating it, however, helps prevent ulcers and reduces dyspepsia.

What is the difference between GERD and dyspepsia?

GERD involves acid reflux into the esophagus, while dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain in the upper stomach itself.

Is this covered by insurance?

Yes. Most plans cover care for dyspepsia, and we use ICD-10 code K30 for billing and documentation.

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