Dr. Bharani Challa, MD is a pediatric gastroenterologist in Austin, TX specializing in pediatric gastroenterology. She graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 2004 and has 21 years of experience. Dr. Bharani Challa, MD is affiliated with The University of Texas (UT) System, Dell Seton Medical Center, Ascension, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, DELL CHILDRENS MEDICAL GROUP and Dell Children's Medical Center North Campus.
1301 Barbara Jordan Boulevard Unit 401
Austin, TX 78723
Gastrointestinal Problems (Digestive Disorders)
The gastrointestinal system, or GI tract, is the name given to a collection of organs that work together to digest food. These organs fit together in a long tube, running from the mouth to the anus, and include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, among others. With so many parts working together, complicated by today's busy lifestyles and diets, digestive problems are common. As many as 1 in 3 Americans have a digestive or GI disorder. There are a huge variety of digestive problems, but the most common are IBS, constipation, GERD, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.
Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.
Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.
Dr. Bharani Challa, MD graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 2004. She completed residency at Jackson Memorial Medical Center. She is certified by the The American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatric Gastroenterology The American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatrics and has a state license in Iowa.
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (2004)
Residency: Jackson Memorial Medical Center
Board Certification: The American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatric Gastroenterology The American Board of Pediatrics - Pediatrics
Licensed In: Iowa
Dr. Bharani Challa, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Bharani Challa, MD has an average of 1.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Bharani Challa, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Austin, TX.
First visit she simply read basic questions from the computer that I have answered time and again on paperwork and sign in sheets for this visit. It was a very short and pointless appointment other than me asking to speak to a nutritionist. We live an hour away and our little baby was 12 weeks early. She is on an NG feeding tube and a feeding schedule- I am pumping still as well. This visit with wait time was an all around 4 hour visit. Our last visit was at 9:00 am. We were her first patient. At 9:20 the MA poked his head in to tell us "she just arrived in the building". ??? After 9:30 when Challa had yet to see us, we quietly packed up our things and left. No one attempted to discuss the matter with us - in person/phone/text or email. However, we did receive a summary report with poorly written and inaccurate discussion notes. The notes stated we left ABRUPTLY and that we did not schedule a follow up appointment as the MA suggested. We called the center to speak with someone about the notes and she said they would be corrected but that has yet to happen. All around lousy experience.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Bharani Challa, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
$371
Kanuma $316 |
SOLIRIS $55 |
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AbbVie, Inc. |
$350
Humira $268 |
Creon $49 |
$33 |
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AbbVie Inc. |
$241
Humira $241 |
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Janssen Biotech, Inc. |
$155
REMICADE $131 |
STELARA $12 |
SIMPONI $12 |
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GENZYME CORPORATION |
$134
DUPIXENT $134 |
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Other |
$675
SUCRAID $94 |
Karbinal ER $64 |
GATTEX $59 |
ZENPEP $46 |
DUPIXENT $39 |
Other $374 |
Food and Beverage | $1,925 |
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Dr. Bharani Challa is a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology in Austin, TX. Clinical interests for Dr. Challa include gastrointestinal problems (digestive disorders). After completing medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University, she performed her residency at Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Challa's professional affiliations include Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas and Dell Seton Medical Center.