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Collagenous Colitis

Collagenous colitis causes persistent watery diarrhea when excess collagen accumulates under the colon lining. Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs in Houston offers personalized diagnosis, including colonoscopy and biopsy, plus tailored diet, lifestyle guidance, and medication to restore your digestive health.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

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

Age over 50
Use of medications such as NSAIDs, PPIs or SSRIs
Underlying autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis)
Active smoking

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent, watery diarrhea
Abdominal pain or cramping
Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
Fatigue due to fluid loss
Occasional low‐grade fever

How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Collagenous Colitis

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

Dr. Nguyen will talk with you about your symptoms, medicines, and health background.

2. Stool Tests

These help rule out infections or other causes of diarrhea.

3. Colonoscopy with Biopsy

A thin tube checks your colon. A small sample of tissue is taken. Under a microscope, a thick collagen layer confirms the diagnosis.

This is listed under ICD-10 code K52.8.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for collagenous colitis.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Tips

Avoid caffeine, lactose, artificial sweeteners, and high-fiber grains during flare-ups
Drink plenty of water or clear broths to stay hydrated
Use a food diary to track and identify trigger foods

2. Medications

Loperamide to help slow down diarrhea
Budesonide, a mild steroid that reduces colon inflammation
Bile acid binders if bile salt malabsorption is contributing to symptoms

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

Endoscopic treatments to control bleeding in rare cases
Endoscopic dilation or other interventions to address colon narrowing when needed

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About the Author

Frequently Asked Questions

What is collagenous colitis?

It's a type of microscopic colitis that causes long-term watery diarrhea and is diagnosed by finding a thick collagen layer under the colon lining.

How long does treatment take?

Many patients feel better within 4 to 8 weeks after starting diet modifications and medications like budesonide or loperamide.

Can I eat dairy?

During flare-ups you may need to avoid lactose. Try lactose-free products and track your symptoms in a food diary.

Is it serious?

Collagenous colitis rarely leads to surgery, but unmanaged symptoms can impact your quality of life. Proper treatment usually controls the condition.

Will I need medicine long-term?

Some patients discontinue medication once symptoms resolve; others with recurrent issues may require ongoing therapy.

What is the ICD-10 code?

The ICD-10 code for collagenous colitis is K52.8.

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