1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Expert Ulcer Of Intestine Specialist

GastroDoxs in Houston has Dr. Bharat Pothuri who provides diagnosis and treatment of intestinal ulcers in a personalized manner. Endoscopy to medication and lifestyle adviceIntegrated care-from imaging up to assistance with everyday livingneurology and gastroenterology reliever of discomforts, curing of ulcers, and enhancement of digestive system, and caring follow-up after discharge.

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

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
  • Regular use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or chronic stress
  • Family history of intestinal ulcers
  • Radiation therapy or rare infections

Signs and Symptoms

  • Burning or cramping pain in the middle abdomen
  • Bloating, nausea, or vomiting
  • Black, tar-like stools or visible blood in the stool
  • Loss of appetite or unplanned weight loss
  • Fever or chills if an infection is present

Expert Treatment for Ulcer Of Intestine by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Physical Exam

He talks about your monitoring of an epigastric pain cycles, use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or alcohol, a history of ulcers in family, present-day smoking and stress and examination on the presence of abdominal tenderness or bleeding.

Blood Tests

Complete blood count to detect anemia, H. pylori serology or breath test, and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) to assess healing status.

Stool Tests

Fecal occult blood testing to identify hidden gastrointestinal bleeding.

Endoscopic Evaluation

  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to directly visualize and biopsy stomach and duodenal ulcers.
  • Capsule endoscopy for a detailed look at the small intestine when ulcers are suspected beyond reach of EGD.

Imaging Studies

  • CT enterography or MRI enterography to map the depth of ulcers, to identify perforations, strictures or inflammation availed of it.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Rule out malignancy or uncommon infection and prescribe antibiotics: Endoscopic biopsy.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for intestinal ulcers.

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions

  • Eat small meals at short intervals to reduce irritation.
  • Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
  • Quit smoking and practice stress-relieving activities such as walking or breathing exercises.

2. Medications

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce gastric acid.
  • H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) to suppress acid levels.
  • Antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection if present.
  • Sucralfate to protect and aid in ulcer healing.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Gastrointestinal endoscopic management for actively bleeding ulcers.
  • Laparoscopic surgery for severe or complicated cases.
  • Balloon dilation to treat strictures caused by Crohn's disease.
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 does a small intestine ulcer present as?

Common symptoms include burning or cramping pain in the middle abdomen, bloating, nausea, dark or bloody stools, and loss of appetite.

How is an infected intestinal ulcer treated?

Treatment involves antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, acid-reducing medications such as PPIs or H2 blockers, and careful monitoring to ensure proper healing.

ICD-10 code of a small intestine ulcer

The ICD-10 code for a small intestine ulcer is K63.5.

Is diet effective in healing ulcers?

Yes. Consuming low-spice, low-acid foods in small meal portions and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can aid in recovery.

When should I seek emergency treatment for an ulcer?

Emergency care is necessary if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or passing black, tar-like stools.

How long does it take for an intestinal ulcer to heal?

Most intestinal ulcers can be treated and healed within 4–8 weeks, though recovery time may vary depending on severity and underlying conditions.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

Understanding Your Risk for Colon Cancer

Read More
Abdominal Pain

How an Upper Endoscopy Can Identify Your Digestive Discomfort

Read More
Abdominal Pain

7 Reasons Why A Colonoscopy Isn't As Bad As You Think

Read More