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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers expert, personalized care for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With comprehensive diagnostics, lifestyle guidance, medications, and advanced surgical options, he ensures lasting heartburn relief, delivering compassionate support and cutting-edge treatments, tailored action plans.

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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

  • Overweight or rapid weight gain (increased abdominal pressure)
  • Hiatal hernia (stomach pushing through the diaphragm)
  • Smoking (weakens the lower esophageal sphincter)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Pregnancy or hormone fluctuations
  • Large meals or eating before bedtime
  • Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (e.g., chocolate, coffee, citrus)
  • Certain medications (NSAIDs, some blood pressure drugs)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Burning chest pain (heartburn), often after eating
  • Sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat
  • Chronic cough or throat clearing
  • Hoarseness or sore throat
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Feeling of a lump or food stuck in the chest
  • Chest pain that worsens when lying down or bending over

Expert Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your symptom profile (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough), lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, alcohol), medications, weight changes and risk factors such as hiatal hernia or pregnancy.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

A thin, flexible scope is passed into your esophagus and stomach to look for inflammation, ulcers, strictures or Barrett's esophagus.

24-Hour pH Monitoring

An acid-sensing probe is placed in the lower esophagus to measure acid exposure over a full day, correlating reflux events with your symptoms.

Esophageal Manometry

This test measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in your esophagus and evaluates the lower esophageal sphincter's function.

Barium Swallow X-Ray

  • After drinking a barium solution, X-rays visualize swallowing mechanics, detect strictures, hiatal hernias or motility disorders.

Additional Testing (if needed)

In select cases, impedance monitoring or high-resolution manometry may be used to detect non-acid reflux and clarify complex motility issues.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for GERD.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the stomach
  • Avoiding known trigger foods such as chocolate, spicy dishes, coffee, and alcohol
  • Not eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime and elevating the head of the bed
  • Weight management support and smoking-cessation guidance

2. Medications

  • Over-the-counter antacids for immediate relief
  • H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine) to reduce acid production
  • Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole) for healing and long-term control

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Laparoscopic fundoplication to reinforce the lower esophageal valve
  • LINX® magnetic sphincter augmentation device to strengthen the LES
  • Endoscopic therapies to tighten weak muscles and prevent acid reflux
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 is the ICD-10 code for GERD?

K21.0 is used when GERD includes esophagitis, while K21.9 applies when it does not.

What medications work best?

Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole offer the most effective long-term relief; H2 blockers and antacids may also help depending on symptom severity.

Can GERD cause a cough?

Yes. Stomach acid can irritate your throat, leading to a dry, persistent cough.

How long should I take PPIs?

Most people use them for four to eight weeks. Dr. Pothuri will adjust the duration based on your response and healing.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is considered if lifestyle changes and medications don't adequately control symptoms or if complications like ulcers develop.

Are these medications safe long-term?

Generally yes, but your doctor may monitor bone density and vitamin B12 levels during extended use.

Does GERD affect sleep?

Yes. Lying flat can worsen reflux. Raising the head of your bed and avoiding late meals may reduce nighttime symptoms.

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