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Diverticulum
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating diverticula—small pouches in the digestive tract. With over 15 years of experience, he offers personalized care plans, advanced testing, and lifestyle guidance to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
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
Aging, which weakens the intestinal wall
Straining during bowel movements
Chronic constipation
Low-fiber diet
Lack of regular exercise
Family history of diverticular disease
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Lower left-side abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating or excessive gas
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Nausea or heartburn
Fever and chills if infection (diverticulitis) develops
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Diverticular?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your epigastric pain characteristics, bowel habits, diet, and family history. A focused abdominal exam checks for localized tenderness, guarding, or rebound.
Blood Tests
We obtain a complete blood count and inflammatory markers (like C-reactive protein) to detect infection or inflammation.
Imaging Studies
CT scan of the abdomen with contrast to visualize diverticula in the small intestine or colon and to rule out complications (abscess, perforation).
Barium enema or special abdominal X-ray to outline pouches in the large intestine.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Depending on your pain location, he may perform:
Colonoscopy to inspect the colon for diverticula, strictures, or polyps.
Upper endoscopy to evaluate the duodenum for small-intestinal diverticula.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In select cases, ultrasound-guided drainage of an abscess or MRI enterography to assess complex small-bowel disease. Surgical consultation may be arranged if intervention is required.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for diverticular disease.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Drink plenty of water
Avoid straining when using the bathroom
Exercise daily, such as walking or swimming
2. Medications
Fiber supplements to support regular bowel movements
Mild pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen)
Antibiotics to treat diverticular infections
Stomach acid-reducing medicines for small-intestinal pouches
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic removal of large or symptomatic pouches
Surgical intervention for infected or obstructed diverticula
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 are symptoms of Zenker's diverticulum?
Symptoms include trouble swallowing, throat pain, coughing, or gurgling sounds while eating as food or liquid collects in the pouch.
How is a duodenal diverticulum diagnosed?
Duodenal diverticula are detected using imaging such as a CT scan, upper GI series X-ray, or endoscopy to visualize the small intestine.
What causes a bladder diverticulum?
Bladder diverticula result from long-term pressure on the bladder wall, often due to an enlarged prostate or urinary tract obstruction.
How is a urethral diverticulum treated?
Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the pouch by a urologist; Dr. Nguyen can provide a referral and coordinate your care.
Can food help prevent flare-ups?
Yes. A high-fiber diet, plenty of water, and regular meals help reduce pressure in the colon and lower the risk of diverticula complications.
When should I call a doctor?
Call right away if you have sudden severe belly pain, fever, or blood in your stool to rule out complications like diverticulitis.
