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

Erosive Gastropathy

Erosive gastropathy, characterized by shallow stomach lining erosions, can cause pain, bleeding, and anemia. Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston offers diagnosis and treatment-ranging from lifestyle advice and medications to advanced endoscopic therapy-to help you heal and prevent complications.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
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

  • Regular use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Severe physiological stress (illness, surgery, trauma)
  • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart or kidney disease)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often after eating
  • Nausea or episodes of vomiting
  • Black or tarry stools (indicative of bleeding)
  • Unexplained fatigue or weakness (from blood loss)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintended weight loss

Expert Treatment for Erosive Gastropathy by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Physical Exam

He asks about your epigastric pain-onset, duration, and triggers-along with NSAID or alcohol use, stress levels and any prior GI issues. A focused abdominal exam checks for tenderness or guarding.

Blood Tests

We draw a complete blood count to look for anemia from bleeding. Basic metabolic panels and liver enzymes help rule out other causes of upper-abdominal pain.

Non-invasive H. pylori Testing

  • Urea breath test to detect active H. pylori infection.
  • Stool antigen test for ongoing bacterial presence.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

This is the gold standard: a flexible scope lets Dr. Pothuri directly visualize erosions, assess their severity, and identify any bleeding sites in the stomach lining.

Biopsy and Histology

During your EGD, small tissue samples are taken to confirm H. pylori, rule out malignancy and evaluate the degree of mucosal injury.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for erosive gastropathy.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eat smaller meals more often to ease stomach irritation
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and NSAIDs when possible
  • Quit smoking and adopt stress-management techniques

2. Medications

  • Proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) to reduce acid production
  • H₂-blockers for additional acid control
  • Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection if present
  • Sucralfate to coat and protect the stomach lining

3. Endoscopic Procedures

  • Cauterization during endoscopy to stop active bleeding
  • Clip placement or injection therapy to seal erosions
  • Biopsy sampling for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment
1.5K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K 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 is the ICD-10 code for erosive gastropathy?

Doctors most often use K29.5 when bleeding is present. Your provider may select additional or more specific codes based on endoscopic findings and clinical details.

Can erosive gastropathy go away on its own?

Mild cases frequently improve with diet modifications, acid-reducing medications, and removing irritants like NSAIDs or alcohol. However, supervision by a gastroenterologist helps ensure proper healing.

How long does recovery typically take?

With appropriate treatment-acid suppression, lifestyle changes, and, if needed, H. pylori eradication-most patients feel better within 2-4 weeks.

Is erosive gastropathy the same as a peptic ulcer?

No. Erosions are shallower, involve only the superficial lining, and are usually smaller than true ulcers, which penetrate deeper layers of the stomach wall.

Will I need a follow-up endoscopy?

If you continue to have symptoms, persistent bleeding, or risk factors such as ongoing NSAID use, Dr. Pothuri may recommend a repeat endoscopy to confirm healing and rule out other issues.

Are there long-term risks if left untreated?

Yes. Chronic erosive gastropathy can lead to ongoing blood loss, iron-deficiency anemia, or more extensive mucosal damage, increasing the risk of complications.

How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

We'll provide clear, written instructions. Generally, you'll fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure and stop certain medications temporarily. Our team guides you at every step to ensure your safety and comfort.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

Feel Like You Always Have Food Stuck in Your Throat? You May Have Dysphagia

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Dysphagia

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Lifestyle Adjustments to Manage Dysphagia

Read More