Dr. James Maher is the best of all the Katy TX gastroenterology doctors near me. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist in internal medicine. Over the decades, he has gained experience helping patients with all kinds of stomach problems. Our entire team dedicates themselves to providing you with the best possible gastronomic healthcare. We are there with you through diagnosis to treatment.
professional at Gastroenterology issues.
About Your Area Gastroenterologist
James Maher, M.D., started medical school at the University of Michigan. However, he soon went and sought out warmer climates at the Medical College of Virginia. There, Dr. Maher graduated at an accelerated pace. He went on to complete his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California-Irvine. Afterward, he did his year of Fellowship in Hepatology at the University of Southern California. Lastly, Dr. Maher returned to Irvine for two years of Fellowship in Gastroenterology.
Dr. Maher went above and beyond what was necessary to get educated and experienced in his field. He became board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, and, to this day, he participates in continuing education courses. He makes sure to stay up-to-date to serve his patients better.
Our office’s philosophy is that patient education is of utmost importance. An informed patient will better understand what they need and what is best for them. So, we do everything we can to explain your condition and treatment plan to you. If you ever need us to slow down and explain more, do not hesitate to ask.
We specialize in inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancers, biliary tract disease, performing endoscopies, and IBS. But, like a Katy TX gastroenterology doctors near me, we do far more than just that list. Come into us for any digestive issues.
Our Gastronomic Services
Dr. Maher’s expertise covers all stomach and digestive health issues as one of your Katy TX gastroenterology doctors near me. We can go over a few of the conditions and procedures we deal with most. But continue to browse our pages to see what we can do for you.
Upper GI Endoscopies
EGD is a broader category of procedures that includes stuff like colonoscopies and endoscopies. It stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We use them in diagnosing different disorders and conditions involving the digestive tract. They can help with anything involving the stomach, esophagus, first portion of the duodenum, or small intestine. An upper GI deals specifically with the upper digestive system. It can help in diagnosing a large variety of conditions.
During an endoscopy, we send a minuscule camera on the end of a long, thin, and flexible tube down the esophagus. While you are under sedation, the endoscopy helps us determine any problems occurring in the upper digestive tract. Even though we will start with simpler tests, of course, if we cannot rule out enough, we resort to the endoscopy. It can help in cases where you have difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain, heartburn, bleeding, inflammation, nausea, and vomiting.
An upper GI is one of the safest surgeries that Katy TX gastroenterology doctors near me will perform. But we still put you under, so, for this reason, we need you to come with a designated driver. The sedation will leave you with drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. On top of that, because we are inspecting your digestive tract, we ask you fast for eight hours before surgery.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Many have heard of GERD. It is a relatively common condition but can become quite debilitating. GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and refers to a severe form of acid reflux. It is defined as when mild reflux happens at least two times a week or severe reflux once a week.
Over time, the repeated backwash of stomach acid up the esophagus damages the lining in the throat. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems. Some people’s GERD is mild enough that they can deal with it through a change in diet and over-the-counter medications. Otherwise, you should see Katy TX gastroenterology doctors near me. They can prescribe and get you more powerful medicines or offer other treatment options.
Helicobacter Pylori Infections
Estimates say that it is likely that half the world’s population may have a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori living in their stomachs. Typically, those that get infected are in childhood. People can go their whole lives without realizing they have it. However, in old age, it can create some severe problems and pose a real threat.
Many extra factors can pose more risk to a population. For instance, living in a densely populated city, especially in a developing area, could be a danger. The real trouble comes with being near an unclean water source or an infected person. Unfortunately, because this bacterium is so widespread, we cannot use these factors to predict who has it. If you are experiencing unexplained stomach trouble, your Katy TX gastroenterology doctors near me should test you immediately.
Untreated Helicobacter pylori can cause serious problems. It slowly eats away at the lining in your stomach, creating peptic ulcers. We use a variety of tests to help diagnose: blood, stool, breath, and scope. If need be, we can resort to an endoscopy. For treatment, we will prescribe two antibiotics at once. This will prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to one. We will also give you a stomach acid suppressant to allow your lining to heal.
Katy TX Gastroenterology Doctors Near Me
If you are experiencing stomach or digestive problems, then contact us today. Dr. Maher is an expert in gastroenterology and will do everything he can to help his patients. You can reach us by calling (281) 945-5190. After you call, we can set up an appointment to meet in our office. You can trust James Maher, M.D., as one of your Katy TX Gastroenterology Doctors near me.
Katy Texas Fun Facts
- “Old Town Katy” is our downtown area. It has many specialty stores, antique shops, and restaurants.
- We have ten parks, including Heritage Park, best known for its restored buildings.
- Our original name was “Cane Island,” named after the creek running through it.
- While our primary industry is rice, we are also known for peanuts, cotton, and gas.
- For more on Katy, visit https://www.cityofkaty.com/about.