When you need Cinco Ranch TX GI Dr near me, trust Dr. James Maher. Dr. Maher serves patients across Katy and the Houston area. Visit our website and schedule an appointment at our convenient location in Katy, TX.
Whether you need an opinion on your recent GI symptoms or long-term care for a chronic condition, you can rely on Dr. Maher for your health care. Moreover, he has connections to the Memorial Hermann Medical Center network and Houston Methodist West Hospitals.
Dr. Maher has years of experience in internal medicine and gastrointestinal care. Furthermore, patients of all ages can come to Dr. Maher for diagnosis and treatment.
Whatever your needs, trust Dr. Maher for high-quality medical care. Call 281-945-5190 or schedule an appointment online today!
Trusted Cinco Ranch TX GI Specialist
Dr. Maher is a board-certified gastroenterologist. First, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. Then, he attended the Medical College of Virginia, where he completed an accelerated program. After graduation, he attended an internal medicine residency at the University of California-Irvine. Finally, Dr. Maher completed his formal studies with a one-year Fellowship in Hepatology and a two-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology.
However, Dr. Maher considers himself an eternal student. Even after decades in private practice, he continues to participate vigorously in continuing medical education to keep abreast of his field’s latest advancements.
Furthermore, Dr. Maher has a particular interest in colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, biliary tract disease, and endoscopy.
Moreover, Dr. Maher believes he has a duty to educate his patients on their conditions, not just treat them. He considers open and thorough discussion of all treatment options a priority.
When you need compassionate, high-quality care, Dr. Maher can help. Trust Dr. Maher for your Cinco Ranch TX GI Dr. near me.
Common Gastrointestinal Conditions
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a serious, chronic bowel disease that causes flares of inflamation in the digestive tract.
Moreover, complications from Crohn’s can sometimes prove life-threatening. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. While some sufferers may remain symptom free for most of their lives, others may have severe, chronic symptoms that rarely enter remission.
Unfortunately, no cure exists for Crohn’s. Steroids and immunosuppressants can slow the progression of the disease. However, when medication is ineffective, a patient may need surgery to remove portions of the digestive tract.
Furthermore, Crohn’s also causes an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so patients must receive more frequent colon cancer screenings.
Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine. The lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops small, open sores called ulcers.
Moreover, ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease. Usually, symptoms accrue over time rather than manifest suddenly. No known cure exists for UC, but treatment can prove effective and patients often enter periods of remission.
A range of GI symptoms accompanies a UC flair. Diarrhea, particularly accompanied by blood or pus, abdominal pain, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and fever, can indicate ulcerative colitis.
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid or bile irritates the esophagus. Frequent acid reflux or heartburn (more than twice a week) can indicate GERD.
Most GERD sufferers experience burning pain in the chest, usually after eating. The pain then tens to worsen when the patient lies down.
Lifestyle changes and over the counter medications can provide relief from GERD symptoms. However, this relief is usually temporary. Patients may require prescription medication.
Hepatitis C and Advanced Liver Disease
Hepatitis C is a serious viral infection that attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring known as cirrhosis. Most people contract the virus through blood-to-blood contact caused by sharing needles or poorly-sanitized tattoo equipment. However, infected mothers can also pass the virus on to infants through pregnancy, labor, and breast-feeding.
The disease is common in the United States. Most people carrying the virus, however, have no symptoms. Early, aggressive treatment with newer antivirals can eliminate the virus. However, for more advanced cases, antiviral medication can only slow the progression of the disease.
Hepatitis occurs in two phases: an initial, acute infection that appears within the first 6 months after exposure to the virus and chronic, a lifelong infection that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and sometimes death.
More than half of those afflicted with acute Hepatitis C go on to develop the chronic form of the disease, particularly if they do not receive proper treatment.
Chronic Hepatitis C infections tend to progress slowly over the course of decades. In the most severe cases, patients develop advanced liver damage, liver cancer, and terminal liver failure. Those with advanced liver damage require the care of a dedicated gastroenterologist.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that manifests with abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. However, experts don’t have a full understanding of what causes IBS. Firstly, most doctors diagnose IBS based on symptoms. Then, they enact treatment plans focused on controlling the manifestations of the disease, such as diet and lifestyle changes, medication, and counseling.
Cinco Ranch TX GI Dr. Near Me
When you need GI care, Dr. Maher wants to help. Let the Katy Stomach Doctor get you the high-quality care you deserve.
Unfortunately, GI ailments can cause intense pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. But like any other medical condition, your gastrointestinal complaint deserves professional, compassionate care. Please don’t suffer needlessly from abdominal pain or other GI symptoms. Whether you’re suffering from acid reflux or chronic abdominal pain, Dr. Maher wants to help.
You can trust the Katy Stomach Doctor. Call 281-945-5190 today for a Cinco Ranch TX GI Dr. near me.
Cinco Ranch TX Fun Facts
- Cinco Ranch is one of the wealthiest communities in the nation.
- 16, 437 people live in Cinco Ranch.
- Cinco Ranch is a master-planned community.
- The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch provides luxury entertainment.
- To learn more, visit Cinco Ranch’s website.