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Candida
Candida is a common yeast that can cause disruptive infections when overgrown. At GastroDoxs in Houston, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers personalized diagnostics, testing and tailored treatment plans—from dietary guidance to antifungal therapy—to restore balance and gut health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Antibiotic use that kills beneficial bacteria
High‐sugar or refined carb diets feeding yeast
Weakened immune system (illness, stress, medications)
Diabetes and chronically elevated blood sugar
Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, birth control pills)
Signs and Symptoms
Oral thrush: creamy white patches inside the mouth
Itching, redness, or abnormal discharge in skin/vaginal areas
Digestive upset: bloating, gas, mucus in stool
Fatigue or “brain fog” often linked to gut overgrowth
“Die-off” reactions: mild headache, chills, or discomfort
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Candida-Related?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms—especially epigastric pain, bloating, and digestive changes—along with your medical history, medication use (antibiotics, steroids), diet, and risk factors like diabetes or immunosuppression.
Stool and Swab Tests
A comprehensive stool analysis checks for Candida overgrowth in your gut. Swabs of the mouth or esophagus (if indicated) are sent for culture to identify yeast species and guide targeted therapy.
Blood Antibody Tests
He orders blood panels to measure Candida-specific antibodies (IgG, IgA) and rule out other causes of gastrointestinal distress.
Endoscopic Evaluation
For persistent epigastric pain or suspected esophageal involvement, Dr. Nguyen performs a minimally invasive upper endoscopy. He inspects the mucosa for thrush, inflammation, or ulcerations and may take brushing samples or biopsies for laboratory confirmation.
ICD-10 Coding
Once confirmed, he documents the diagnosis using ICD-10 code B37.9 (Unspecified Candida infection) to ensure accurate medical records and insurance processing.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Candida overgrowth.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Reduce sugar, white carbs, and alcohol
Add probiotics and prebiotics to support good gut bacteria
Eat balanced meals with small, frequent portions
Keep blood sugar steady and support digestion
2. Medications
Antifungal pills, creams, or suppositories tailored to your needs
Personalized dose and treatment duration for effective results
3. Minimally Invasive Options
Gentle endoscopy to assess yeast buildup or gut damage
Use findings to guide and refine your treatment plan
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the ICD-10 code for Candida?
B37.9 is the code for unspecified Candida infections.
How do I treat Candida in the gut?
Start by cutting sugar and adding probiotics. Antifungal medications may help if needed.
Can Candida cause mucus in stool?
Yes. Mucus can appear when yeast irritates your gut lining.
What are Candida die-off symptoms?
You might feel tired, get a mild headache, or have some discomfort as yeast cells break down.
How long does treatment take?
Most people feel better in 4-6 weeks. Severe cases may take longer.
Is Candida contagious?
Mild skin or mouth infections don't spread easily. Good hygiene helps keep it from spreading.
When should I see a specialist?
If infections keep coming back or you have ongoing gut issues, Dr. Nguyen can help.
