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Bệnh viêm ruột (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

In Katy, our specialists offer personalized diagnosis, treatment, and higher-order care to patients of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and guarantee patients excellent gastrointestinal care that suits our community needs to improve health and quality of life.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder that is involved with persistent inflammation of the digestive tract. These have two major types (Crohn disease and Ulcerative colitis) that differ in their locations and the localization involves either all parts of the gastrointestinal tract or just the colon and rectum respectively. The two may cause belly pain, diarrhea, loss of weight and fatigue. We offer a diagnosis and a specific treatment plan that we will follow with you all the way at GastroDoxs in Katy.

Common Symptoms

IBD symptoms vary by individual, but often include:

  • Ongoing diarrhea or bloody stools
  • Belly cramps or abdominal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Nail changes such as pitting or color shifts (sometimes called "IBD nails")

Causes

Although the exact cause of IBD is still under study, several factors are known to play a role:

  • An abnormal immune response attacking the gastrointestinal lining
  • A family history or genetic predisposition
  • Lifestyle influences, such as smoking or a poor diet
  • Alterations in the gut microbiome (bacterial imbalance)
Treatment

Treatment Options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Katy

Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medical care:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: Corticosteroids and 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASA) curb the swelling of the intestinal lining.
  • Immunomodulators/biologics: Azathioprine or TNF-alpha inhibitors are used to suppress an excess immune response and keep the patient in remission.
  • Nutrition & diet plan: Individualized meal advice (low-residue, low-FODMAP, or specific carbohydrate diets) to aid gut recovery and decrease symptoms.
  • IBD blood tests: Regular labs measuring CRP, ESR, and complete blood count help trace inflammation and detect early signs of anemia.
  • Modern endoscopic diagnostics: VEO IBD endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, or imaging studies (MR enterography) visualize the location and severity of the disease.
  • Surgery: Resection of diseased bowel segments or repair of fistulas and strictures when complications cannot be managed with medications.
  • Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, stress-management activities, physical activity, and sleep hygiene as long-term health measures.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

In Katy, GastroDoxs is a patient-centered center specialized in the care of the IBD based on your own needs. Since we have highly developed diagnostics such as VEO IBD endoscopy and targeted blood tests and we offer you an individual approach to nutrition, as well as an effective medical treatment, our group assists you in all the stages of diagnosis, treatment and long-term management. You are now prepared to control your digestion. Call our Katy clinic and make an appointment with our specialists in IBD and begin the path towards long-lasting relief.

6K

Patients Treated

We've successfully 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

How do doctors diagnose IBD?

The diagnosis is usually based on blood samples, feces examination, a colonoscopy to see the lining of the intestines, and radiography using CT or MRI to determine the level of inflammation.

Can IBD be cured?

IBD has no cure yet, although it can be controlled by a combination of drugs, lifestyle modifications, and occasionally surgery to prevent symptom flares and maintain remission.

How is IBD different from IBS?

The causes of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are chronic inflammation and tissue damage of the digestive tract versus dysfunction of bowel habits, respectively.

Are IBS and IBD the same?

No. IBS affects gut performance, causing cramping and irregular bowel movements, whereas IBD involves an immune-mediated attack on the gut lining, leading to inflammation and possible complications.

What does an intestinal blood test detect?

IBD blood tests detect inflammatory markers (like C-reactive protein) and screen for anemia, helping assess disease activity and overall condition.

Can IBD affect your nails?

Yes. During active flares, some patients experience nail changes such as pitting, ridges, discoloration, or brittleness—often called "IBD nails."

What does IBD do to the body?

IBD triggers the immune system to target the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in inflammation, ulceration, abdominal pain, bleeding in severe cases, and malabsorption or strictures.

What do you recommend me to do with my gastroenterologist?

Most people with IBD are encouraged to monitor disease activity through follow-up visits every 3–6 months or sooner if symptoms worsen, to adjust treatment as needed.

Do lifestyle changes assist IBD?

Yes. Fewer flares and better overall health can be achieved by adopting a balanced diet, managing stress, quitting smoking, and maintaining regular physical activity.

What happens on World IBD Day?

World IBD Day is a global awareness program that includes webinars, support group sessions, expert lectures, and educational tools to help patients and caregivers learn how to live with IBD.

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