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Expert Ascites Specialist - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

The abdomen having too much fluid that is largely due to liver disease and that depends on the ascites may cause pain, difficulty breathing. Dr. Bharat Pothuri of GastroDoxs in houston offers you quality diagnosis, tailor made treatment programs as well as modern treatment procedures to guarantee that you are relieved.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

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.

What Is Ascites?

Ascites is the superior fluid that exists amid the organism in the abdominal organs and within the belly of the lining. Most commonly, it is an effect of an illness of the liver or other organs.

Ordinary Causes and Risk Factors.

Liver scarring (cirrhosis).
Decreased in pumping power (heart failure).
Fluid imbalance (kidney disease).
Abdominal malignancies (fluid leakage of tumor)
The low blood protein involves protein malabsorption.
Others: obesity, high blood pressure, hepatitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain or pressure around the part of the abdomen.
Putting on weight within a few days or weeks.
Shortness of breath, especially with regard to the lying position.
Decreased, small meal portions.
Swelling of the foot, leg or ankle.
General fatigue or weakness

Expert Treatment for Ascites by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Exam

He looks at your medical background, alcohol, and drug use, and propensity to liver, heart, or kidney disease. In making the physical exam he examines abdominal distension, shifting dullness, percussion, fluid wave, and periphery edema.

Blood Tests

We examine liver performance (AST, ALT, billirubin), kidney performance (BUN, creatinine), serum electrolyte, albumin and coagulation rates to examine the condition of the organs and the amount of proteins.

Imaging Studies

The intra-abdominal fluid volume, texture of liver, size and size of spleen and portal vein are evaluated by an ultrasound of abdomen.
CT scan affirms the finer details of the images so as to eliminate malignancy, detect nodules, or evaluate other abdominal organs.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Paracentesis can be used to carry out in-office fluid drainage and analysis. We request serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), cell count, cytology, and cultures so as to distinguish between portal hypertension, infection, or malignancy.

Treatment

Our Team can afford to offer total care of ascites.

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions.

Swear on a low sodium diet which helps to reduce the accumulation of fluids.
Reduced intake of extra fluid should be done to exert control over the abdominal pressure.
Eat in small, but high frequency meals to sustain oneself.
Be on the go, a little with the Houston heat.

2. Medications

To avoid excess water build-up, take Diuretics (water pills).
Psychological cases receive albumin infusion to supplement the blood volume.
Altered immunotherapy of underlying conditions (e.g. liver disease, heart failure, kidney problems etc.).

3. Minor or Maximal Invasive procedures.

In-office-fluid drainage paracentesis to relieve symptoms to drain.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) to decrease portal veins pressure.
Additional complicated or refractory ascites treatment.

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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

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 causes ascites?

Most frequently ascites are caused by liver cirrhosis. Others include kidney disease and certain cancers as well as heart failure.

What are ascites prominent symptoms?

The symptoms may include pain, rapid weight increase, tight and painful belly, dyspnea and anorexia.

How is ascites diagnosed?

Doctors can use physical means to confirm ascites and identify the etiology of ascites by physical examination, ultrasound or CT visualizations, fluid sampling (paracentesis).

Which are the alternatives of paracites?

Some of the treatment options include sodium restriction, diuretic medication, therapeutic paracentesis, and treatment of underlying condition (e.g. liver disease).

Do diets play a beneficial role in the treatment of ascites?

Yes. Low sodium diet is utilised in reducing fluid accumulation. Your doctor or dietitian can provide you with a custom-made meal plan.

What is the prognosis of a patient with ascites?

Prognosis is reached depending on the cause of the underlying. Improved situation would be achieved through liver health, adherence to treatment, and regular observation.

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