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Change in Bowel Habit
Experiencing persistent alterations in your bowel movements—diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency—can signal underlying issues needing expert evaluation. Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs in Houston provides personalized expert assessments, advanced diagnostics, and tailored treatments to restore your digestive 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.
Dietary changes (high‐fat meals, new foods, overuse of laxatives)
“Red flag” factors (unintended weight loss, blood in stool, family history of colon cancer)
Signs and Symptoms
Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than four weeks
Changes in stool consistency (softer, harder, or mixed)
Increased frequency or urgency of bowel movements
Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
Sensation of incomplete evacuation or rectal urgency
Visible blood or mucus in the stool
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Change in Bowel Habit?
Dr. Nguyen uses a systematic, step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He begins by reviewing your symptom timeline, stool patterns, diet, stressors, medications, and any family history of GI disorders.
Laboratory Testing
• Blood tests to look for signs of inflammation, infection, anemia or malabsorption
• Stool studies if an infectious cause is suspected (ova, parasites, C. difficile toxin, etc.)
Imaging and Endoscopy
Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to exclude structural issues or inflammatory changes
Colonoscopy to directly visualize the colon, remove polyps and obtain biopsies
Advanced Diagnostic Procedures (if needed)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy for targeted lower‐GI evaluation
• Breath tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Anorectal manometry or biofeedback assessments for pelvic floor dysfunction
Once all data are collected, Dr. Nguyen assigns the appropriate diagnosis code (e.g., R19.4 for “change in bowel habit”) and discusses a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for change in bowel habit.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Balance fiber intake: add soluble fiber for diarrhea, insoluble fiber for constipation
Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft and regular
Eat small, frequent meals to ease digestion
Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or light exercise
2. Medications
Antispasmodics to relieve intestinal cramps
Laxatives or stool softeners for chronic constipation
Anti-diarrheals to slow excessive bowel movements
Probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria balance
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Colonoscopy with polyp removal for cancer prevention
Endoscopic dilation to open narrowed segments of the bowel
Biofeedback therapy to retrain pelvic floor muscles
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
How soon will I feel better?
Most people see improvement in 2-4 weeks with recommended diet changes, hydration, and medications.
Are colonoscopies safe?
Yes. Dr. Nguyen performs colonoscopies regularly using sedation and advanced equipment to ensure your comfort and safety.
Can stress change bowel habits?
Absolutely. Stress can disrupt gut motility and sensitivity, leading to diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort.
What if symptoms get worse at night?
Nighttime diarrhea or pain can signal a more serious issue. Contact our office promptly for evaluation.
Do I need special tests for IBS?
IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. Dr. Nguyen will rule out infections, inflammation, and structural problems before confirming IBS.
Does insurance cover visits and tests?
Most insurance plans cover consultations, diagnostic tests, and procedures at GastroDoxs. We'll verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs.
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