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Top Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Doctor

GastroDoxs in Houston provides specialized, individualized treatment to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by Dr. Bharat Pothuri. Through holistic diagnostics, lifestyle education, drugs, and the best sustainability in surgery, he guarantees permanent relief of heartburn and provides caring assistance and latest medical solutions, customized courses of action.

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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

  • Overweight or rapid weight gain (increased abdominal pressure)
  • Hiatal hernia (stomach pushing through the diaphragm)
  • Smoking (weakens the lower esophageal sphincter)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Pregnancy or hormone fluctuations
  • Large meals or eating before bedtime
  • Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (e.g., chocolate, coffee, citrus)
  • Certain medications (NSAIDs, some blood pressure drugs)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Burning chest pain (heartburn), often after eating
  • Sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat
  • Chronic cough or throat clearing
  • Hoarseness or sore throat
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Feeling of a lump or food stuck in the chest
  • Chest pain that worsens when lying down or bending over

Expert Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Physical Exam

He examines your symptom history (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough), life-style variables (diet, smoking, alcohol), drug use, weight loss/gain and disease predispositions (hiatal hernia or pregnancy).

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

A fine, narrow -scoped device is inserted in your esophagus and stomach area to identify the presence of inflammation, ulcers, strictures or Barrett in your esophagus.

24-Hour pH Monitoring

The acidsensing probe is inserted in the lower esophagus, which measures acid exposure in your entire day, which is matched with whatever symptoms you are experiencing.

Esophageal Manometry

This test is used to measure muscle contractile pressure and decordination of the esophagus muscles and to assess the adequacy of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Barium Swallow X-Ray

  • After drinking a barium solution, X-rays visualize swallowing mechanics, detect strictures, hiatal hernias or motility disorders.

Additional Testing (if needed)

Some impaired cases of the non-acid reflux and explaining a complicated motility problem may be identified with the help of impairment monitoring or high-resolution manometry.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for GERD.

Lifestyle and Diet Interventions

  • Consume smaller but more frequent meals to decrease pressure on the stomach.
  • Avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, spicy food, coffee, and alcohol.
  • Do not eat for 2–3 hours before sleep and elevate the head of the bed.
  • Follow guidance for weight management and smoking cessation.

Medications

  • Over-the-counter antacids for short-term relief.
  • H₂ blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) to inhibit acid formation.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole) for long-term healing and control.

Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Laparoscopic fundoplication to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
  • LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation to enhance LES function.
  • Endoscopic procedures to tighten weak muscles and prevent acid reflux.
45K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 45K 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 ICD-10 code for GERD?

K21.0 is used when GERD involves esophagitis, whereas K21.9 is selected when there is no esophagitis.

What medications work best?

The most effective long-term treatment includes proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole. H₂ blockers and antacids can also be used depending on symptom severity.

Can GERD cause a cough?

Yes. Stomach acid can irritate the throat, leading to a persistent, dry cough.

How long should I take PPIs?

Most patients take PPIs for four to eight weeks. Dr. Pothuri will adjust the duration based on your response and recovery.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery may be recommended when lifestyle changes and medications fail to control symptoms or in cases of complications such as ulcers or strictures.

Is there long-term safety of these medications?

Generally yes, though long-term users may need periodic monitoring of bone density and vitamin B12 levels to prevent side effects.

Does GERD affect sleep?

Yes. Lying flat can worsen reflux. Elevating the head of the bed and avoiding late-night meals can help minimize nighttime symptoms.

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