Dr. Shabbir Husain Jamali, MD

Dr. Shabbir Husain Jamali Gastroenterologist

Dr. Shabbir Husain Jamali is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing diagnostic, preventive, and procedural care for conditions affecting the digestive system.

His clinical work includes the evaluation of abdominal pain, acid reflux, swallowing problems, constipation, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, liver concerns, and changes in bowel habits. He also performs colonoscopy and other endoscopic procedures used to investigate symptoms and screen for colorectal cancer.

Dr. Jamali practises at Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center in Tomball, Texas. The practice includes an office-based endoscopy facility, allowing selected digestive procedures to be performed in a dedicated clinical setting.

Patients comparing digestive health specialists can also read about Dr. Ryan R. Barrientos’s gastroenterology care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Shabbir Husain Jamali, MD
Specialty: Gastroenterology
Board Certification: Gastroenterology
Medical School: Dow Medical College
Residency: Internal Medicine, Wayne State University
Practice: Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center
Primary Location: Tomball, Texas
Clinical Experience: Approximately 30 years
NPI Number: 1598735656
Telehealth: Available for suitable appointments
Accepting New Patients: Yes, according to current public provider profiles
Hospital Affiliations: Public profiles list HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball and other hospitals in the northwest Houston area

About Dr. Shabbir Husain Jamali

Dr. Jamali earned his medical degree from Dow Medical College. He later completed internal medicine residency training through Wayne State University.

After training in adult medicine, he pursued specialised work in gastroenterology. This field focuses on the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Dr. Jamali has been practising medicine for approximately three decades. His work includes both office-based digestive care and endoscopic procedures.

A patient may visit him because of a new digestive symptom, an abnormal laboratory result, a recommendation for colorectal cancer screening, or a continuing gastrointestinal condition that has not improved with initial treatment.

His role may include reviewing symptoms, performing a physical examination, ordering blood or stool tests, recommending imaging, prescribing treatment, and performing an endoscopic examination when necessary.

Gastroenterology Services

Dr. Jamali may evaluate and manage concerns such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Rectal bleeding
• Haemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticular disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia linked to possible digestive bleeding
• Abnormal liver tests
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Changes in bowel habits

Some symptoms can be managed after an office assessment and basic testing. Others may require colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, advanced imaging, or coordination with another specialist.

Abdominal Pain Evaluation

Abdominal pain can originate from several organs and may have many possible causes.

Dr. Jamali may ask:

• Where the pain occurs
• When it began
• Whether it is constant or intermittent
• Whether meals affect it
• Whether bowel movements change it
• Whether nausea or vomiting is present
• Whether the patient has fever
• Whether weight has changed
• Whether bleeding has occurred
• Which medicines are being used

Possible digestive causes include acid-related disease, gallbladder conditions, constipation, inflammation, infection, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or diverticular disease.

Testing may include blood work, stool studies, ultrasound, CT imaging, upper endoscopy, or colonoscopy.

The correct test depends on the pain’s location, duration, severity, and associated symptoms.

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD, develops when stomach contents repeatedly move back into the oesophagus.

Symptoms may include:

• Heartburn
• A sour taste
• Burning behind the breastbone
• Regurgitation
• Throat irritation
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Symptoms after meals
• Symptoms that become worse while lying down

Dr. Jamali may recommend changes to meal timing, medication review, acid-reducing treatment, or further testing.

Upper endoscopy may be considered when symptoms continue despite treatment or when swallowing problems, bleeding, anemia, or unexplained weight loss are present.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It may feel as though food or liquid moves slowly, becomes stuck, or causes discomfort.

Possible causes include:

• Oesophageal narrowing
• Inflammation
• Acid reflux damage
• Abnormal muscle movement
• Allergic inflammation
• A growth or mass
• Neurological conditions

Dr. Jamali may use upper endoscopy to examine the oesophagus and determine whether narrowing, inflammation, or another structural problem is present.

Additional tests may be needed when the symptoms appear to involve oesophageal movement rather than a visible blockage.

Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy allows Dr. Jamali to examine the upper digestive tract with a flexible camera.

The examination may include the:

• Oesophagus
• Stomach
• First part of the small intestine

It may be recommended for:

• Continuing heartburn
• Swallowing difficulty
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Suspected ulcer
• Unexplained anemia
• Signs of digestive bleeding
• Abnormal imaging
• Monitoring of an established condition

Small tissue samples may be collected during the procedure. A biopsy does not automatically mean cancer is suspected. Tissue may also be tested for inflammation, infection, or other changes.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine.

Possible symptoms include:

• Burning upper abdominal pain
• Discomfort related to meals
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Reduced appetite
• Dark stools
• Anemia
• Vomiting blood

Common causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori and regular use of certain pain medicines.

Testing may involve upper endoscopy, breath testing, stool testing, or biopsy.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include acid-reducing medicine, antibiotics for confirmed infection, and changes to medicines that irritate the stomach.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum using a flexible camera.

Dr. Jamali may recommend colonoscopy for:

• Colorectal cancer screening
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Unexplained constipation
• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
• Abnormal imaging
• Previous colon polyps
• Family history of colorectal cancer

During the procedure, polyps may be removed and tissue samples may be collected.

Removing certain polyps can reduce the chance that they will later develop into colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer screening aims to identify cancer early or remove precancerous polyps before cancer develops.

Screening options can include:

• Colonoscopy
• Stool-based testing
• Other tests selected according to medical need

The most appropriate choice depends on age, family history, previous polyps, earlier screening results, and personal risk factors.

A colonoscopy may be preferred when a patient has symptoms, a positive stool test, previous polyps, or an increased family risk.

Patients should tell Dr. Jamali if a parent, sibling, or child has had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps. Family history may change when screening should begin and how often it should be repeated.

Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are growths that form on the inner lining of the colon.

Many polyps cause no symptoms and are discovered during screening. Some types may gradually develop into cancer if they are not removed.

During colonoscopy, Dr. Jamali may:

• Identify polyps
• Remove suitable growths
• Collect tissue for laboratory analysis
• Mark an area for future treatment
• Recommend a follow-up schedule

The timing of the next colonoscopy depends on the number, size, and laboratory features of the removed polyps.

Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding may appear as bright-red blood, darker blood mixed with stool, or black stool.

Possible causes include:

• Haemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Colon polyps
• Diverticular bleeding
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Ulcers
• Colorectal cancer
• Bleeding higher in the digestive tract

The appearance of blood can provide useful information, but it cannot reliably confirm the cause.

Dr. Jamali may recommend laboratory testing, rectal examination, colonoscopy, or upper endoscopy depending on the bleeding pattern and the patient’s risk factors.

Haemorrhoid Care

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum and anus.

Symptoms may include:

• Bright-red bleeding
• Anal itching
• Swelling
• Discomfort
• A tender lump
• Irritation during bowel movements

Constipation and straining can make symptoms worse.

Initial management may include improving stool consistency, increasing appropriate fibre intake, reviewing hydration, and using selected medicines.

Further treatment may be considered when bleeding, swelling, or discomfort continues.

Because other conditions can also cause rectal bleeding, patients should not assume that haemorrhoids are always responsible.

Constipation

Constipation may involve infrequent bowel movements, hard stool, straining, or a feeling of incomplete emptying.

Possible causes include:

• Low fibre intake
• Inadequate fluid intake
• Reduced physical activity
• Medication
• Thyroid conditions
• Diabetes
• Pelvic floor problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Narrowing of the colon
• Neurological conditions

Dr. Jamali may review the patient’s diet, medicines, bowel pattern, and associated symptoms.

Testing may be needed when constipation begins suddenly, continues despite treatment, or occurs with bleeding, anemia, weight loss, or severe pain.

Chronic Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea that continues or repeatedly returns may have several causes.

These can include:

• Infection
• Medication effects
• Food intolerance
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Celiac disease
• Microscopic colitis
• Pancreatic conditions
• Abnormal thyroid function
• Previous digestive surgery

Dr. Jamali may order blood tests, stool studies, colonoscopy, biopsy, or other investigations.

Patients can help by recording how often symptoms occur, whether they happen after particular foods, and whether blood, fever, weight loss, or nighttime symptoms are present.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly called IBS, is a digestive condition associated with abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Symptoms may include:

• Cramping
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Alternating bowel patterns
• Urgency
• A feeling of incomplete emptying

IBS can significantly affect daily life but does not usually cause visible damage to the digestive tract.

Diagnosis involves reviewing the symptom pattern and checking for signs that suggest another condition.

Treatment may include dietary adjustments, fibre management, medicine, stress-related support, and treatment directed toward constipation or diarrhoea.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticula are small pouches that may form in the wall of the colon.

Their presence is called diverticulosis. Many patients have no symptoms.

Diverticulitis develops when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected.

Possible symptoms include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Tenderness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in bowel habits

Testing may include CT imaging and laboratory studies.

Treatment depends on symptom severity and whether an abscess, perforation, obstruction, or another complication is present.

A colonoscopy may be recommended after recovery in selected patients to examine the colon and exclude another cause.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions can cause continuing inflammation in the digestive tract.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent diarrhoea
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Urgency
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Anemia
• Reduced appetite

Diagnosis may involve blood tests, stool testing, colonoscopy, biopsy, and imaging.

Treatment is selected according to the location and severity of inflammation, previous response, and risk of complications.

Patients may require continuing laboratory monitoring and repeat endoscopy to assess disease control.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an immune condition triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible people.

Possible symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Tiredness
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Bone-health problems

Testing commonly begins with blood work and may include upper endoscopy with small-intestine biopsy.

Patients should normally continue eating gluten until testing is complete unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. Removing gluten beforehand can make test results less reliable.

Liver Health

The liver processes nutrients, produces important proteins, stores energy, and helps remove substances from the blood.

Dr. Jamali may evaluate:

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Fatty liver disease
• Viral hepatitis
• Medication-related liver changes
• Alcohol-related liver injury
• Jaundice
• Enlarged liver
• Abnormal liver imaging

Assessment may include blood testing, ultrasound, specialised imaging, and review of medicines and supplements.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of liver damage.

Patients with advanced or unusual liver disease may need referral to a hepatologist.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells.

It is often associated with:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic health risks
• Certain medicines
• Alcohol exposure

Many patients have no symptoms and learn about the condition after abnormal laboratory results or imaging.

Dr. Jamali may recommend blood tests, ultrasound, fibrosis assessment, or other studies to estimate the risk of liver scarring.

Management usually focuses on improving the medical factors contributing to liver fat and monitoring for progression.

Gallbladder and Bile-Duct Concerns

Gallstones may block the normal flow of bile and cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, or inflammation.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper-right abdomen
• Pain after eating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain extending toward the back
• Fever
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine

Ultrasound is often used to assess the gallbladder.

Some bile-duct conditions require advanced endoscopic treatment or surgical care. Dr. Jamali may coordinate with an appropriate specialist depending on the findings.

Pancreatic Conditions

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones involved in blood sugar control.

Pancreatic conditions may cause:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Pain extending toward the back
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Greasy stools
• Abnormal pancreatic enzymes
• Changes in blood sugar

Evaluation may include blood tests, CT imaging, MRI, or specialised endoscopic procedures.

Pancreatic symptoms can have several causes, so testing should be selected according to the patient’s presentation and medical history.

Unexplained Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia may sometimes result from slow blood loss in the digestive tract.

Dr. Jamali may investigate anemia when a patient has:

• Low haemoglobin
• Low iron levels
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dark stools
• Visible bleeding
• No clear non-digestive cause

Evaluation may include colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, laboratory testing, or small-intestine assessment.

Identifying the source is important because replacing iron alone may not address continued blood loss.

Preparing for Colonoscopy

Proper bowel preparation is essential because retained stool can hide polyps or other abnormalities.

Preparation may involve:

• Following dietary instructions
• Drinking a prescribed bowel-cleansing solution
• Adjusting certain medicines
• Arranging transportation
• Avoiding food and drink during the stated period
• Informing the clinic about medical conditions

Patients should tell the practice if they use:

• Blood thinners
• Diabetes medicine
• Insulin
• Iron supplements
• Weight-management injections
• Medicines affecting bowel movement
• Other prescriptions requiring special instructions

Medicines should not be stopped unless the prescribing or procedural team provides clear directions.

Preparing for Upper Endoscopy

Patients undergoing upper endoscopy are usually asked to avoid food and drink for a specific period before the procedure.

They should provide information about:

• Current medicines
• Blood thinners
• Diabetes treatment
• Allergies
• Previous reactions to sedation
• Heart or lung conditions
• Sleep apnoea
• Pregnancy
• Earlier digestive procedures

Transportation is commonly required when sedation is used because the patient should not drive afterward.

Endoscopy and Sedation

Endoscopic procedures are often performed with sedation to improve comfort.

The medical team may monitor:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Oxygen level
• Response to sedation

Patients should follow all instructions about fasting and medication.

They should also arrange for a responsible adult to provide transportation and follow the discharge instructions after the procedure.

Biopsy and Laboratory Examination

During endoscopy or colonoscopy, Dr. Jamali may collect a small tissue sample.

A biopsy may help diagnose:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Celiac disease
• Microscopic colitis
• Barrett’s oesophagus
• Precancerous changes
• Cancer
• Other digestive conditions

The patient may not feel the biopsy being taken from inside the digestive tract.

Results are reviewed after the laboratory has examined the tissue. Follow-up recommendations depend on the findings.

Telehealth Appointments

Current public profiles list telehealth as available for suitable appointments.

A virtual visit may be appropriate for:

• Reviewing laboratory results
• Discussing stable digestive symptoms
• Medication follow-up
• Reviewing response to treatment
• Preparing for a procedure
• Follow-up after endoscopy
• Discussing whether an in-person examination is needed

Endoscopy, colonoscopy, physical examination, and procedures still require an appropriate in-person setting.

The practice can determine which appointment type is most suitable.

Preparing for a Gastroenterology Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medication list
• Previous colonoscopy reports
• Earlier endoscopy reports
• Biopsy or pathology results
• Recent blood tests
• Stool-test results
• Imaging reports
• Hospital discharge documents
• A list of allergies
• Family history of digestive disease
• Questions about testing or treatment

It is helpful to explain when symptoms began, how often they occur, and whether meals or bowel movements affect them.

Patients should also mention rectal bleeding, black stool, unexplained weight loss, swallowing difficulty, or continuing vomiting.

Coordinated Digestive Care

Digestive conditions may require cooperation between several healthcare professionals.

Dr. Jamali may coordinate care with:

• Primary care physicians
• General surgeons
• Colorectal surgeons
• Liver specialists
• Oncologists
• Radiologists
• Pathologists
• Nutrition professionals
• Other gastroenterologists

Coordination can help ensure that test results, procedures, medication, and specialist recommendations address the same diagnosis.

Patients may also compare care with Dr. Ramakrishna Chava’s gastroenterology profile.

Patient-Centered Gastroenterology

Dr. Jamali provides digestive healthcare based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, family risk, test results, previous treatment, and screening needs.

His services may include abdominal pain evaluation, reflux care, constipation and diarrhoea treatment, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal, liver assessment, and management of chronic digestive disorders.

Patients should confirm current appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, procedure locations, telehealth eligibility, and referral requirements directly with Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center.