If you are searching for a GI doctor 77493, then contact Dr. James Maher’s clinic. He is the gastroenterologist you need. Dr. Maher has more than 30 years of experience in the field of gastroenterology. This field of study handles conditions associated with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive system.
The GI tract encompasses numerous organs; the stomach, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and rectum are just a few. All of these organs and more work together to perform three major jobs of the digestive system: break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste from the body. There are times in which specific conditions affect the digestive system’s capability to perform these jobs. That is when Dr. Maher comes in.
Dr. James Maher started his career at the University of Michigan. Once he was completed, he moved to Virginia to complete an accelerated program at the Medical College of Virginia. When he completed his time in Virginia, he moved to California to attend the University of California-Irvine. While there, he completed his Internal Medicine residency.
After his residency, Dr. Maher attended the University of Southern California for a one-year fellowship in hepatology. Finally, he completed his last fellowship back at the University of California-Irvine. There, he completed a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology. After his education, Dr. Maher became a board-certified gastroenterologist.
Now, he offers care for a variety of conditions associated with the GI tract. He cares greatly for these patients. He believes patient education is one of the most important aspects of his job. Furthermore, Dr. Maher considers all treatment options when he is treating a patient.
Services at Dr. Maher’s Clinic
There are numerous conditions associated with the digestive system. Dr. Maher has more than three decades of diagnosing and treating these conditions. He is capable of helping patients with a variety of conditions. You can find a small sample below:
- Hepatitis C
- Hemorrhoids
- Colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcers
- Acid reflux
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Achalasia
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones
- Liver disease
- Jaundice
In addition to the conditions above, Dr. Maher can help patients who are at risk of conditions. He is able to perform a variety of screenings or procedures to observe the digestive system. You can find a small list of options below:
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Colon cancer screening
- Hemorrhoid banding
- Capsuloscopy
The conditions Dr. Maher can diagnose and treat a range in severity. Patients do not have to suffer fro their symptoms. Instead, they should see a primary physician or a gastroenterologist right away.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen and irritated veins in the rectum. Veins become stretched and inflamed when the rectum has a high amount of pressure. The increase in pressure is often caused by several reasons. For example, a low-fiber diet, straining during bowel movements, and anal intercourse can increase pressure.
This condition is one of the most common in the United States. An estimated three of four adults will experience hemorrhoids in their life. However, some may not realize they have hemorrhoids because they can often be minor and show few symptoms. In addition, hemorrhoids are not a serious condition. Even when hemorrhoids become chronic, they rarely create complications for patients.
There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. The type of hemorrhoids you have will dictate the type of symptoms you experience. In some cases, patients won’t know they have hemorrhoids because their case is minor. Of course, it varies on the person and the cause of the hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids are located within the rectum. This area of the rectum has very few nerve endings, so discomfort and pain are rare. You may experience blood in your stool or while wiping. External hemorrhoids are found around the anus and offer more symptoms than the aforementioned type. Bleeding, swelling, pain, and irritation are common symptoms.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in various areas of the digestive system. The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but genetics are thought to play a role in its development. We do know that Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system is the cause of the inflammation. Normally, an immune system attacks harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks healthy tissue because it believes it to be harmful to the body.
There are many different types of Crohn’s disease, but the most common type is ileocolitis. This type causes inflammation in the colon and the lower end of the small intestine. Common symptoms of ileocolitis include significant weight loss, diarrhea, and abdomen pain. Other types of Crohn’s disease include the following:
- ileitis
- gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease
- jejunoileitis
- Crohn’s colitis
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, so treatment options target managing symptoms. There are many different drugs capable of maintaining the symptoms, but some patients do not respond to treatment. That is why organizations are paving the way toward research and new medications.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can lead to liver scarring and eventually, liver disease. This infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which does not have a vaccine like the other types. HCV is spread from person to person via blood. The most common way HCV spreads is through the sharing of needles using illicit drugs. Symptoms of HCV do not appear right away and usually take months to develop. You can expect symptoms of dark-colored urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, swelling in the legs and feet, drowsiness, confusion, and fever.
GI Doctor 77493
A gastroenterologist is who you need when it comes to a digestive system condition. Dr. Maher has more than 30 years of experience in the field of gastroenterology. For that reason, you should schedule an appointment with him today.
Call Dr. James Maher’s clinic today at (281) 945-5190. His clinic is located in Katy, Texas, so patients from all over the Greater Houston Area have easy access to his services. He is an exceptional doctor who cares greatly for his patients. Now, stop searching “GI Doctor 77493” and start calling his clinic today!
Fun Facts about Katy
- Katy first held its continuing annual Rice Festival in 1981.
- Katy was once known as the rice capital of the world. There is an annual rice festival every fall.
- Many events are hosted at Katy’s VFW Park, including movie nights and community campouts.
- Find more facts about Katy here.