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Top Presbyesophagus Gastroenterologist - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Presbyesophagus is the age-related alterations of the esophagus that can lead to the dysphagia and reflux due to muscle weakness of the muscles used in swallowing. GastroDoxs in Houston provides quality assessment and treatment with eating modifications and test pills and drugs to enable you to eat easily, by Dr. Bharat Pothuri.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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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

  • Weakness of esophageal muscles as a result of aging.
  • Reduced-speed nerve impulses which regulate swallowing.
  • Mild acid reflux (GERD) years present.
  • Smoking or lengthy tobacco consumption.
  • Drugs which affect esophageal motility.
  • Pulmonary chronic disease associated with an augmentation of esophageal strain.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Marginal impairment of swallowing solid food (dysphagia)
  • Chest -sticking- food sensation
  • After meals, the heart burns regularly or the acid goes back
  • Accidental loss of weight due to the intake
  • During meals, he or she may cough or choke
  • Difficult or slow swallowing

Expert Treatment for Presbyesophagus by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Symptom Review

He talks of swallowing problems, stomach aches, eating habits and if there has been reflux or lung disease.

Physical Examination

Neck, chest and abdominal examination to determine tenderness, muscle tone and any present anomalies.

Esophageal Manometry

Monitors the intensity, coordination and synchronization of esophageal muscle contractions as an individual engages in swallowing.

Barium Swallow Study

  • Screen the movement of contrast through the esophagus, in order to identify focusing areas of weakness or latency.
  • Observes changes in the structure that include dilation, rings or strictures.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Enables direct observation of the lining of the esophagus to eliminate any inflammation, strictures or other organic agents of epigastric pain.

24-Hour pH Monitoring (if reflux is suspected)

Measures these acid exposure levels in the lower esophagus during a period of one day to ascertain the contribution by GERD.

High-Resolution Impedance Manometry (Advanced)

Integrates pressure mapping with the bolus flow measurement to analyze the motility disorder in detail.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for presbyesophagus.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes

  • Take smaller meals at higher rates.
  • Get food plowed and fed slowly.
  • Should not take a big heavy dinner or early right.
  • Raise bed head in order to decrease nighttime reflux.

2. Medications

  • Acid reducers to be used as prescription to decrease stomach acidity.
  • Prokinetic drugs to enhance esophageal motility.
  • Antacids of immediate action to relieve heartburn.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • Endoscopic esophagus dilation (Gentile and Kim, 2019) to dilate the esophagus softly and broadly.
  • Relaxation of muscle spasms in the esophagus (in rare instances) with botox injections.
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

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 causes presbyesophagus in older adults?

Presbyesophagus is a consequence of normal aging: the muscles of the esophagus become weaker and nerve impulses decrease with age. It could also be accompanied by long-term mild acid reflux, some pharmaceuticals, smoking or lung disease.

Is presbyesophagus dangerous?

No. It is not a disease, but rather an aging-change. Nonetheless, in case of difficulty in swallowing or you become thin, it is necessary to seek an examination to eliminate other causes.

How is presbyesophagus different from dysphagia?

The weakness of the esophagus due to age is specifically called presbyesophagus. Dysphagia is the general term that describes a swallowing problem that could have numerous causes.

How is the condition diagnosed?

The measurement of the strength of the muscle is done using esophageal manometry, food movement monitored using a barium swallow, and other problems rule out using endoscopy before the diagnosis of a negative answer is made, presbyesophagus.

Can diet alone fix the problem?

Food and lifestyle modification-such as consuming fewer meals, chewing food, and elevating the bed head- benefit a good number of patients. In case of persistence of the symptoms, it may be supplemented with medications or a minor procedure.

How fast is recovery after dilation?

The majority of patients would revert to normal eating in 24 hours. The improvement in swallowing discomfort occurs immediately following an endoscopic dilation in many.

Does insurance cover the tests and treatments?

Yes. The diagnostic tests (manometry, barium swallow, endoscopy) and treatments provided are mostly covered by most health plans. We can help you in benefit verification in our team at GastroDoxs.

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