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Ulcerative colitis Gastroenterologist - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

The gradual scarring of the hepatograph, the liver, is known as hepatic fibrosis and may cause serious complications, without any treatment. Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston provides highly-diagnostic and patient-centered therapy in order to prevent the worsening of the disease, enhance liver wellness, and to improve the quality of life of patients.

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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

  • Genetic predisposition (family history of inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Immune system dysfunction leading to chronic inflammation
  • Environmental triggers (diet high in fat, stress, smoking)
  • Age of onset (most often between 15 and 30 years)
  • Ethnicity (higher incidence in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews)
  • Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Frequent loose or bloody stools
  • Cramping abdominal pain, often in lower left quadrant
  • Urgency to have a bowel movement
  • Rectal bleeding or mucus in stool
  • Unintended weight loss and reduced appetite
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness
  • Fever in more severe flares
  • Tenesmus (feeling of incomplete evacuation)

Expert Treatment for Ulcerative colitis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

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

Medical History and Exam

He examines the abdominal pain pattern that you have-in particular, epigastric discomfort-fecundity of your stool, presence or absence of blood or mucus, weight data and the history of inflammatory bowel disease in your family.

Blood Tests

We check for anemia, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate).

Stool Studies

  • Stool cultures and C. difficile toxin to exclude infections.
  • Fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin to quantify intestinal inflammation.

Endoscopic Evaluation

  • Colonoscopy with targeted biopsies to visualize ulcerations, assess disease extent, and confirm ulcerative colitis histology.
  • On the persistence of epigastric-based pain, upper endoscopy (EGD) in order to eliminate peptic ulcer disease or gastritis.

Imaging Studies (if needed)

CT or MR enterography to evaluate disease distribution, complications (strictures, abscesses), or to clarify atypical findings.

Advanced Testing

Capsule endoscopy can be discussed as a small-bowel evaluation in the case when the symptoms or images tell about the involvement of more than the colon.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for Ulcerative Colitis.

1. Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Eating Changes

  • Eat small, frequent meals to aid digestion.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Avoid trigger foods and alcohol; consult a dietitian for guidance.
  • Practice stress-relief techniques such as walking or yoga.

2. Medications

  • Aminosalicylates to reduce inflammation and maintain remission.
  • Corticosteroids to manage moderate to severe flare-ups.
  • Immunomodulators to help regulate chronic immune activity.
  • Biologics or JAK inhibitors for resistant or severe cases.

3. Advanced Medications and Surgical Interventions

  • Endoscopy to monitor inflammation and detect complications.
  • Biopsies and colonoscopies for disease and cancer risk monitoring.
  • Colectomy may be required in unresponsive or severe cases.
2.3K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 2.3K 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 ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by ulcers and inflammation of the colon and rectum.

What are common symptoms?

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, urgency to defecate, fatigue, and weight loss.

What is the etiology of ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause is unknown, but it likely involves an abnormal immune response, genetic factors, and environmental triggers.

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made using colonoscopy, stool tests, blood tests, and occasionally imaging studies such as CT or MRI enterography.

Does ulcerative colitis have a cure?

There is no cure, but medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery in severe cases allow many patients to manage the condition successfully.

What treatments are available?

Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressive drugs, biologics, and occasionally surgery such as colectomy.

Can diet affect symptoms?

Yes. While diet cannot cure ulcerative colitis, certain foods may trigger symptoms. A gastroenterologist or dietitian can provide guidance.

Is ulcerative colitis the same as Crohn’s disease?

No. Both are inflammatory bowel diseases, but Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, whereas ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.

Is ulcerative colitis a risk factor for cancer?

Yes. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of colon cancer, which is monitored with regular colonoscopies.

When should I see a specialist?

If you experience persistent digestive problems, blood in stools, or have a family history of IBD, you should consult a gastroenterologist.

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