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Top Reflux Esophagitis Gastroenterologist

Reflux esophagitis is a disease which occurs in case of multiple irritation of the esophagial lining by the stomach acid, which is in addition to painful, inflamed, and may lead to complications. Dr. Bharat Pothuri of GastroDoxs in Houston can assist patients to achieve a lasting resolution by providing them with a personalized support-through the learning of lifestyle and state-of-the-art diagnostics-through the modern interventions.

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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

  • Poor lower esophaginal muscle sphincter
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Excess abdominal weight or obesity
  • Smoking
  • Abdominal overweight or obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain medications (e.g., some pain relievers, muscle relaxants)
  • Spicy, fatty or sour foods

Signs and Symptoms

  • Chest/throat pain (heartburn)
  • The symptoms get aggravated after consumption of large or fatty food.
  • Feel more pain when lying or bending over.
  • Poor or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
  • Painful swallowing (odynophagia or dysphagia) is accentuated or painful.
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness

Expert Treatment for Reflux Esophagitis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Physical Exam

He analyses your symptom- heartburn, chest/epigastric pain, difficulty swallowing- and assesses diet, lifestyle, medication, and risk factors.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

This allows immediate observation of the lining of the esophagus and inflammation, erosions, strictures or the existence of Barrett esophagus. Biopsies can be done in case of necessity.

Ambulatory pH Monitoring

A small probe is an instrument that is applied in the detection of acid exposure of the esophagus in 24 hours to identify reflux occurrences and correlate them with the symptoms.

Esophageal Manometry

To evaluate the motility disorders, the strength and coordination of the esophagus and lower sphincter (LES) is determined by the help of manometry.

Impedance Testing or Additional Studies (if needed)

Non-acid reflux can be determined using impedance testing. Other causes are eliminated with fewer, more advanced imaging or gastric emptying series.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for reflux esophagitis.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eat in smaller portions and frequent eating, do not over eat.
  • Wait at least two hours after eating.
  • Prevent trigger foods such as spicy food, fatty food, sour or acidic foods.
  • Lose additional weight and physical exercise.
  • Stop smoking and decrease alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and carbonated beverages.

2. Medications

  • Antacids were used to provide a short term, rapid remedy of heartburn.
  • H2 blockers to reduce the production of gastric acid.
  • To promote healing of esophagus, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are to be used.
  • Individual prescription programs under the supervision of Dr. Pothuri.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • In order to reinforce the gastroesophageal valve, Endoscopic fundoplication.
  • The LINX device with magnetic beads used as the valve support was implanted.
  • Specific interventions: Diagnostic and treatment endoscopy.
  • Surgical fundoplication is applied in a small number of instances when other less severe measures have not been effective.
23K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 23K 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.

What are the causes of reflux esophagitis?

Reflux esophagitis is an illness that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and irritate it.

What is the ICD-10 code?

K21.0 – esophageal reflux esophagitis with esophagitis.

What foods should I avoid?

Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, caffeine, chocolate, soda, and alcohol should be avoided to help minimize symptoms of acid reflux.

Do I need surgery?

When lifestyle changes and medications are ineffective, surgery may be considered, such as endoscopic fundoplication or placement of a LINX magnetic device.

How long is the length of the improvement period?

Many patients report relief after two days of treatment, but full healing of the esophagus may take several weeks.

Can it cause other problems?

Yes, untreated reflux can lead to esophageal ulcers, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus, which carries a risk of cancer.

Can children get it?

Yes, reflux esophagitis can occur in children, particularly those with gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, or hiatal hernia.

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