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

Gastrointestinal Disorder

Gastrointestinal disorders can disrupt daily life, causing pain, bloating, and more. At GastroDoxs in Houston, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers personalized diagnostics and treatment, from lifestyle guidance to advanced procedures, ensuring compassionate, expert care for adults seeking lasting relief.

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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

  • Diet high in fatty or processed foods
  • Chronic stress or anxiety
  • Family history of GI disorders
  • Regular smoking or alcohol consumption
  • Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
  • Age over 50 years

Signs and Symptoms

  • Bloating or excessive gas
  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
  • Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools

Expert Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorder by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Exam

He asks about the quality, location and timing of your epigastric pain, any relation to meals or stress, NSAID or alcohol use, prior GI issues, and family history of ulcers or GI cancers.

Blood Tests

We order a complete blood count to look for anemia, liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes (amylase/lipase) and H. pylori antibody testing.

Imaging Studies

  • Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate your gallbladder (stones or sludge), liver, pancreas and biliary tree.
  • CT scan of the abdomen if you have severe or persistent pain to rule out pancreatitis, perforation or other acute conditions.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Upper endoscopy (EGD) to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for ulcers, gastritis or tumors. If symptoms suggest gastroparesis or reflux, he may add gastric emptying studies or esophageal pH monitoring.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for gastrointestinal disorders.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Increase fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Eat smaller meals more frequently
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods
  • Stay well-hydrated with plenty of water
  • Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or breathing exercises

2. Medications

  • Antacids or acid blockers to control reflux
  • Laxatives or anti-diarrheal agents for bowel regulation
  • Antibiotics when treating GI infections
  • Prescription therapies tailored for IBS or IBD management

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Upper endoscopy to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
  • Colonoscopy for colon evaluation and polyp removal
  • Balloon dilation to widen narrowed segments of the GI tract
  • Capsule endoscopy using a swallowable camera pill for small-bowel inspection
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 defines a gastrointestinal disorder?

Any condition affecting the digestive tract-esophagus to colon-including functional and structural diseases.

How are GI disorders diagnosed?

Based on symptoms, labs, endoscopy, imaging, and motility studies.

What treatments exist?

Diet modification, medication, endoscopic procedures, and surgery, tailored to each condition.

When should I see a GI specialist?

Persistent pain, bleeding, weight loss, or unexplained changes in bowel habits warrant referral.

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