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.
He reviews your symptoms-heartburn, chest or epigastric pain, swallowing difficulty-and assesses diet, lifestyle, medications, and risk factors.
This allows direct visualization of the esophageal lining to detect inflammation, erosions, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus. Biopsies may be taken if needed.
A small probe records acid exposure in the esophagus over 24 hours to quantify reflux events and correlate them with symptoms.
Manometry measures the strength and coordination of esophageal muscles and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure to identify motility disorders.
Impedance testing can detect non-acid reflux. Rarely, advanced imaging or gastric emptying studies are ordered to rule out other causes.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 23K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
Reflux esophagitis occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and cause irritation.
The ICD-10 code for reflux esophagitis with esophagitis is K21.0.
Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, as well as caffeine, chocolate, soda, and alcohol to help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Surgery is only considered if lifestyle changes and medications fail. Options include endoscopic fundoplication or placing a LINX magnetic device.
Many people notice relief within a few days of treatment. Complete healing of the esophagus may take several weeks.
Yes. If left untreated, reflux can lead to esophageal ulcers, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus, which carries an increased risk of cancer.
Yes. Children can develop reflux esophagitis, especially those with gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, or a hiatal hernia.
