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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers expert, compassionate, personalized care for inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Using advanced diagnostics and treatment options-dietary guidance, medications, and procedures-he helps patients achieve and maintain lasting, effective 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

  • Family history of IBD
  • Abnormal immune response attacking the intestinal lining
  • Certain foods, high stress levels, or cigarette smoking
  • Living in urban or industrialized regions
  • Onset often before age 30

Signs and Symptoms

  • Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Fatigue or feeling run-down
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Poor appetite
  • Low-grade fever during flare-ups

Expert Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Exam

He reviews your GI symptoms-especially epigastric pain and change in bowel habits-along with family history, weight changes and extraintestinal signs.

Blood and Stool Tests

  • Complete blood count, CRP and ESR to detect anemia and inflammation.
  • Stool studies for fecal calprotectin and to rule out infectious causes.

Endoscopic Evaluation

Colonoscopy with ileal intubation to visualize the colon and terminal ileum. Biopsies are taken to confirm the type and extent of inflammation.

Imaging Studies

  • MR Enterography or CT Enterography to map disease distribution, identify strictures, fistulas or abscesses.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Capsule endoscopy for detailed small-bowel assessment or specialized contrast studies to evaluate complex disease patterns.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eat low-fiber foods during flare-ups to reduce gut irritation
  • Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
  • Incorporate stress-relief practices like yoga, breathing exercises, or therapy
  • Work with our dietitian to build balanced, gut-friendly meal plans

2. Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs for mild to moderate IBD
  • Steroids to quickly reduce inflammation during flares
  • Immune-modifying drugs to calm overactive immune responses
  • Biologic therapies such as anti-TNF agents for more severe cases
  • Newer FDA-approved medications to help maintain remission

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Endoscopic dilation to open narrowed areas in the intestines
  • Capsule endoscopy for detailed small intestine imaging
  • Advanced therapies for complex cases, including nerve stimulation
6K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 6K 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 difference between IBD and IBS?

IBD causes real inflammation and damage to the intestinal tissues, whereas IBS affects how your gut moves without causing tissue damage.

Can food cure IBD?

No. While diet cannot cure IBD, eating the right foods can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

How long does it take to get a diagnosis?

Diagnosis can take several weeks, involving blood work, imaging studies, and sometimes more than one endoscopy.

Are biologic drugs safe to take long-term?

Yes, most biologic medications are well-tested for long-term use. Dr. Pothuri monitors you regularly for side effects.

Will I need surgery for IBD?

Not always. Many patients manage IBD with medication alone. If surgery becomes necessary, we refer you to top gastrointestinal surgeons.

What are the ICD-10 codes for IBD?

Crohn's disease is coded as K50, and ulcerative colitis is coded as K51.

What should I do during a flare-up?

Stay hydrated, eat easy-to-digest foods, get plenty of rest, and take your prescribed medicines. Call us if your symptoms worsen or you notice new concerns.

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