1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Diverticula
Diverticula are small colon pouches undetected but problematic when inflamed. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers comprehensive care—from diagnosis via colonoscopy or CT imaging to personalized diet, lifestyle modifications, medications, and advanced procedures—ensuring digestive health and symptom relief.
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.
What Are Diverticula?
Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the colon (large intestine). They develop when weak spots in the colon wall give way under pressure. While they are most common in people over age 40, many individuals remain unaware they have diverticula because they often cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during imaging studies or colonoscopy.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Aging (the colon wall weakens over time)
Low-fiber diet (harder stools and increased colon pressure)
Family history of diverticular disease
Lack of regular physical activity
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids
Signs and Symptoms
Often none (asymptomatic diverticulosis)
Pain or cramping in the lower left abdomen
Bloating or excessive gas
Constipation or other changes in bowel habits
Fever, nausea or vomiting (when inflammation or infection occurs)
Blood in the stool (a sign of bleeding diverticula)
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Diverticular Disease
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your health history, diet, medication use (including NSAIDs or steroids), family history of diverticular disease and symptoms such as lower-left abdominal or epigastric pain. A gentle abdominal exam checks for tenderness, swelling or guarding.
Blood Tests
Basic labs—including a complete blood count and inflammatory markers—help identify infection or inflammation.
Imaging Studies
CT Scan of the abdomen and pelvis offers detailed views of the colon to locate diverticula, assess inflammation, abscess or rare bladder/heart involvement.
Ultrasound or MRI may be added if bladder diverticula or cardiac pouches are suspected.
Colonoscopy
This endoscopic exam provides direct visualization of the colon lining to confirm pouches, evaluate inflammation or bleeding and obtain biopsies if necessary.
Documentation
Once diverticula are identified, he codes the diagnosis using ICD-10 code K57 to guide treatment planning and insurance reporting.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for diverticular disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eating more fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily
Regular exercise such as walking or swimming to support colon health
2. Medications
Fiber supplements to improve bowel movements
Acetaminophen for pain relief (avoiding NSAIDs)
Antibiotics when an infection is present
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic procedures to stop diverticular bleeding
CT scans for detailed imaging of the colon
Surgical intervention for recurrent bleeding, frequent infections, or long-term symptoms
Collaboration with urology for bladder diverticula management
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 is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means you have the pouches in your colon. Diverticulitis means those pouches are inflamed or infected.
Can I have diverticula without symptoms?
Yes. Most people do not know they have diverticula unless they're found incidentally on a scan or colonoscopy.
How can I avoid flare-ups?
Eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and stay active with regular exercise.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is reserved for severe or recurrent complications, such as uncontrolled bleeding, perforation, or repeated infections.
What ICD-10 code is used for diverticular disease?
Dr. Nguyen uses the code K57 to document diverticular disease.
What if I have bladder diverticula?
Dr. Nguyen will collaborate with a urologist to develop a comprehensive management plan.
Are CT scans safe for checking diverticula?
Yes. CT scans are a safe and effective way to visualize the colon and detect diverticula or complications.
