Dr. James Maher, M.D., is your go-to Katy TX GI Specialist near me. He is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and is experienced in helping with all kinds of digestive problems. Our entire team dedicates themselves to providing the highest-quality stomach health. Our services are comprehensive, giving you everything from diagnosis to treatment, no matter the problem.
About Your Area Stomach Doctor
For his education, Dr. Maher started by attending the University of Michigan. Soon though, he sought warmer climates and continued at the Medical College of Virginia. He would graduate from that school at an accelerated pace and start his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California-Irvine. From there, he did a year-long Fellowship in Hepatology at the University of Southern California. Finally, he returned to the University of California-Irvine for a two-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology.
Dr. Maher went above what is expected to get educated and experienced in his field. To better serve his patients, he makes sure that he stays a leading expert as a Katy TX GI Specialist near me. As a board-certified gastroenterologist, he goes through rigorous continuing education classes and recertifications. In this office, we specialize in IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, biliary tract disease, colon cancers, and endoscopies. However, we can do and do far more.
We consider patient education one of the most critical concerns here at our practice. When you know as much on your condition and treatment as possible, you can feel comfortable and at ease. Plus, an informed patient will know what is best for them. Let us know if we ever need to slow down and explain things. We want you to feel safe and secure in our office.
Our Gastronomic Services
As a Katy TX GI Specialist near me, Dr. Maher’s expertise lies in all forms of condition dealing with the digestive tract. Any stomach problems fall under his purview. We do diagnosis and treatment, so no matter your symptoms, you can start with us. We can go through a few of our primary stomach health services. But you should continue to go through our site to see what we can do for you.
Upper GI Endoscopy
An upper GI falls into the general category of procedures known as EGD. EGD stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy and includes surgeries like colonoscopies. They are meant for diagnoses and can deal with anything from the esophagus to the stomach. An upper GI endoscopy, on the other hand, specifically refers to the upper digestive tract. An upper GI can help with many conditions.
This procedure uses a tiny camera on the end of a long, thin, and flexible tube. We sedate you during this procedure. Meanwhile, we send the camera down your esophagus and look for the possible cause of your symptoms. Any number of symptoms can call for an upper GI. We might perform the procedure for abdominal or chest pain, heartburn, swallowing difficulties, bleeding, inflammation, nausea, or vomiting.
If we feel you need an endoscopy, then there are several things we will ask of you before. First, it is one of the safest procedures your Katy TX GI Specialist near me does. However, we put you under. The sedation will cause drowsiness, impaired judgment, and dizziness. You need a designated driver to bring you home afterward. Also, we are looking at your digestive tract. Therefore, we will ask you to fast for the eight hours preceding the procedure.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
You have probably heard of this condition referred to as GERD. It is an abbreviation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It’s relatively common. GERD is an extreme form of acid reflux, the backwash of stomach acid up the esophagus. Over time, this quickly builds up damage to the throat. It becomes a severe threat, untreated.
GERD is defined as mild acid reflux that happens at least twice a week or severe reflux once a week. Some people can manage GERD with a change in diet and over-the-counter drugs. However, your Katy TX GI specialist near me can provide stronger prescription medications or different treatment options.
Helicobacter Pylori
H. pylori is a widespread stomach bacteria infection. Estimates go as far to say that as many as half the world’s population have the bacterium in their stomach. Typically, the infection starts in childhood. Many can go through their entire lives without ever finding out that they have it. When people get older, though, they can become severely affected.
Several factors can make people more at risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori. To start, living in a densely populated will put anybody is in greater danger of catching the infection. Living in a developing area, near someone else who has the infection, or using an unclean water source put you at risk. However, because so many have an H. pylori infection, it is impossible to predict by these who have it.
If severe stomach problems arise, you should immediately see your Katy TX GI Specialist near me to get tested for H. pylori. It can cause a break down in the lining of the stomach and peptic ulcers. We will start with several basic tests, including stool, breath, blood, and scope. Eventually, we might feel the need to resort to an endoscopy.
For treatment, we usually prescribe a couple of antibiotics at once to avoid the bacteria growing resistance to either one. A stomach acid-suppressing drug may also be necessary. This medicine will give your stomach lining a chance to recover.
Katy TX GI Specialist Near Me
If you are suffering from stomach or digestive health problems, then contact us today. We can take care of everything with our comprehensive services, from diagnosis to treatment. Reach our office by calling (281) 945-5190, and we can set up an appointment as soon as possible. Dr. Maher is the best Katy TX GI Specialist near me that you will find.
Katy Texas Fun Facts
- We have ten parks, including Heritage Park, best known for its restored buildings.
- While our primary industry is rice, we are also known for peanuts, cotton, and gas.
- “Old Town Katy” is our downtown area. It has many specialty stores, antique shops, and restaurants.
- Our original name was “Cane Island,” after the creek running through it.
- For more on Katy, visit https://www.cityofkaty.com/about.