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Best Hiatal Hernia Specialist - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Battling stomachburn or chest pain? Dr. Bharat Pothuri of GastroDoxs in Houston is a specialist in the diagnosis and the gentle treatment of hiatal hernia. Know the cause, symptoms and caring, holistic, individualized care-such as lifestyle, medications, and new and advanced surgical therapies-to be free.

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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 a Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia is where a section of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm to the chest, in most cases resulting in reflux and chest pain.

Ordinary Causes and Risk Factors.

Abdominal heaviness due to heavy lifting.
Difficulties in making bowel movements.
Persistent sneezing/ coughing.
Pregnancy
Obesity or rapid weight gain
Weakness of the diaphragm associated with old age.

Signs and Symptoms

Heartburn/acid reflux.
Pain in the chest or the throat.
Vomiting or re-fluxing of food or acidic fluid.
Full of gas and excessive burgering.
Problem with swallowing (dysphagia)
Tightness of the chest particularly after eating.

Treatment of hiatal hernia by a Hightech expert, Dr. Bharat Pothuri.

In a step-by-step manner, Dr. Pothuri works:

Medical History and Physical Exam.

He checks on your symptoms-heartburn, chest or epigastric pains, regurgitation, bloating, and also checks your abdomen and chest to check on the tenderness or reflux.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

This is done by using a thin, flexible scope having a camera that is seen directly into your mouth to get a clear view of the esophagus, stomach and diaphragm opening. This determines a hiatal hernia, inflammation or ulcers.

Imaging Studies

Barium Swallow X-Ray: This is a procedure that involves the consumption of a barium solution, which coats the upper GI tract on X-ray to determine the size and location of the hernia.
Esophageal Manometry: This procedure entails a small pressure catheter that is used to measure muscle contractions and lower esophageal sphincter functionality in order to detect muscle motility disorders.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

24-Hour pH Tests: A slender electrode measures the level of acid exposure in the esophagus in one day to establish the severity of reflux and how it relates to your symptoms.

Treatment

Our Team caters to all the care of hiatal hernia.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Take small meals at frequent intervals in order to lower abdominal pressure.
It is best to avoid lying immediately after eating to avoid reflux.
Avoid spicy, fatty or acidic trigger foods.
Get the bed up so that you keep acid in your stomach.
Contribute to smoking quit and weight loss to relieve symptoms.

2. Medications

Antacids to relieve heartburn and discomfort fast.
To decrease the production of stomach acid, the use of H2 blockers.
Proton pump agents to stimulate esophageal repair and ease.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures or Advanced Procedures.

Laparoscopic repair of hernia to form a normal anatomy.
Nissen fundoplication in order to strengthen the lower esophageal valve.
LINX procedure is a procedure that involves a magnetic device that stops reflux.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

14K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 14K 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

Which are the typical symptoms of a hiatal hernia?

The initial signs to look out are heartburn, chest pains, difficulty in swallowing, and bloating, as well as burger.

Does it mean that a hiatal hernia is the same thing as the acid reflux?

No. A hiatal hernia is a movement of section of the stomach to the chest. Acid burn is a reversal of stomach acid into the esophagus. They often happen together.

Am I well enough to just get along without an operation?

Yes. Lifestyle modification, dietary modifications, and drugs prescribed by Dr. Pothuri improve many of the patients.

What is the time of recovery after surgery on hernia?

The majority of the sick persons are feeling better after 1-2 weeks. Once the wound has fully healed, this normally takes 6 weeks.

What is the timing of visiting a specialist in the case of hiatal hernia symptoms?

Refer Dr. Pothuri when symptoms continue to worsen or not improve with home therapy and drugs.

Do diet changes really help?

Yes. Reducing the size of meals, preventing the causes of the trigger, and never going to sleep after eating may decrease the pressure and pain.

Why choose Dr. Bharat Pothuri?

He is a gastroenterologist who is board certified and has more than 15 years of experience, providing personalized care and most up-to-date treatment methods to ease the pain long term.

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