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Best Abdominal Distension Doctor - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Feeling constantly bloated, gassy or tight in your stomach? Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston provides special examination and individual therapy to discover the underlying cause-be it dietary, functional and structural-and relieves to soothe and induce digestion.

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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.

A Question of What Is Abdominal Distension?

When your belly is swollen, full, or tight, it means that you have abdominal distension. It may be revealed soon after a meal or may come as time goes on thus it may lead to bloating, accumulation of gas as well as a feeling of a weight around the middle.

The usual Causes and Risk Factors.

  • Consumption of salt, fat or processed food in huge quantities.
  • Gulp ingestion by either ingestion or ingestion of food or beverages.
  • Food allergies like lactose or gluten.
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
  • Slow passage of food through stomach or intestines.
  • The difference between weight gain and filling (bloating and fat).
  • Pre-existing abdominal surgery or hernias.
  • Heart, liver or kidney underlying disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Loss of size of abdominal cavity, particularly after eating.
  • Feeling full even on having taken a few bites.
  • Continuous burgering or gas.
  • Abdominal cramping, pain, or aches.
  • Back pain at the lower part of the abdomen annoys nerves.
  • Changes in bowel movements, including the frequency or even the consistency of stool.

Treatment of Abdominal Distension by an Expert Dr. Bharat Pothuri.

Dr. Pothuri has an incremental strategy:

Past Medical History and Physical Exam.

He examines your symptom history, food intake, bowel movements and nature of epigastric pain or fullness.

Blood Tests

Regular lab tests are complete blood count, metabolic, liver and pancreatic enzymes, thyroid and celiac antibodies.

Breath Tests

Hydrogen and methane breath testing can be used to detect small intestinal bacteria excess (SIBO) and carbohydrate intolerances (lactose, fructose).

Imaging Studies

  • Abdominal ultrasound to identify gallstones, fatty liver, ascites or dislocation of organs.
  • CT scan of the abdomen in case of structural abnormalities, masses or intense pain are suspected.

Endoscopy (if needed)

Upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to identify ulcers, gastritis or motility maladaptations to cause of epigastric pain.

Colonoscopy (if indicated)

Assesses the big bowel because of inflammation, strictures or other factors of chronic distension and pain.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team provides an entire spectrum of treatment on abdominal distension.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

  • Have smaller and more frequent meal portions.
  • Eat slowly and do not take carbonated drinks.
  • Shun foods that are triggers of your bloating.
  • Take lots of water and drink fiber slowly.
  • Go on a walk after eating to get your stomach moving.

2. Medications

  • Simethicone (gas relief pills or tablets)
  • Probiotics to promote healthy digestive microorganisms.
  • IBS/SIBO prescription treatments.
  • If it is constipation, the laxatives are in.

3. Minimal or sophisticated Interventions.

  • Narrowed segments serve as the Endoscopic balloon dilation/narrowing.
  • Gut spasms reduction done with Botox ions.
  • Endoscopy of the small bowel (cap).
  • Removal of growths or blockages in the endoscope.
381

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has successfully treated more than 381 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 does ICD-10 code abdominal distension code?

It is R14.0 -general abdominal bloating and swelling.

Can bloating cause back pain?

Yes. Gas or fluid pressure may damage lower back nerves causing pain.

Is it that I am bloated or that I am simply becoming fatter?

Bloat- Bloat occurs and disappears-and is commonly followed by gas or tightness. The gain of weight occurs more gradually, and it does not vary through the day.

What foods cause bloating?

Such part of the culprits include beans, fizzy drinks, dairy (in case of lactose intolerance), broccoli, cabbage, and high-fat food or processed foods.

When should I see a doctor?

In case your bloating continues over a period of two weeks, or you lose weight unintentionally, get a fever, develop severe pain, or even bloody stool, make an appointment.

Do probiotics help?

They can. Probiotics can help to restore ratios of your intestinal bacteria, as well as decrease gas and bloat-particularly in the case of IBS or previous use of antibiotics.

Will stress result in the belly swell?

Yes. Stress causes gut motility and sensitivity which may also increase the bloating of the individual with IBS or other functional gut disorders.

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