1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Gastrointestinal Disorder
Struggling with digestive issues? Dr. Nghia Nguyen at Houston's GastroDoxs expertly diagnoses and treats gastrointestinal disorders—heartburn, IBS, motility problems—with personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and minimally invasive procedures. Restore your gut health and reclaim lasting comfort, confidence, and overall well-being.
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 Is a Gastrointestinal Disorder?
A gastrointestinal (GI) disorder affects how your body digests food. It can involve the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. When something goes wrong, you may feel discomfort, pain or changes in your digestive habits.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Eating too much fatty or processed food
High stress or anxiety levels
Family history of GI disorders
Abnormal gut motility (slow or fast transit)
Chronic conditions such as GERD or IBD
Signs and Symptoms
Bloating and excessive gas
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
Abdominal pain or cramps
Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits
Feeling fatigued or unwell after eating
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History & Physical Exam
He reviews your symptom onset, pain location, diet, medication use, alcohol intake, stress levels and family history of GI disorders. A focused abdominal exam checks for tenderness, masses or organ enlargement.
Laboratory Tests
Blood work: CBC, liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes (amylase/lipase) to detect inflammation or infection.
H. pylori testing: breath or stool antigen to screen for ulcer-causing bacteria.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound: evaluates gallbladder, liver and pancreas for stones or inflammation.
CT scan: detailed cross-sectional images for complicated or atypical presentations.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Upper endoscopy (EGD) allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Biopsies can identify ulcers, gastritis or other mucosal diseases.
Motility & Functional Testing
If pain persists with normal imaging, tests such as gastric emptying studies or esophageal manometry assess for gastroparesis, dyspepsia or other motility disorders.
Treatment
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our team offers a full range of care for gastrointestinal disorders.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat lean meats, whole grains, and soft foods during flares
Have smaller meals more often to ease digestion
Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
Incorporate stress-relief practices like yoga, deep breathing, or talk therapy
2. Medications
Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for persistent heartburn
Antispasmodics to relieve intestinal cramps
Laxatives or anti-diarrhea agents to normalize bowel habits
Probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic dilation to widen narrowed areas of the GI tract
Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus management
Polyp removal during colonoscopy screenings
Neuromodulation therapy for complex motility disorders
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 early signs of GI issues?
Heartburn, gas, bloating, or changes in your bathroom routine can be early warning signs of a gastrointestinal disorder.
When will I feel better?
Many patients notice improvement within 2 to 4 weeks after starting Dr. Nguyen's personalized treatment plan.
Does stress affect digestion?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can alter gut motility, leading to symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.
Are motility problems treatable?
Absolutely. Dr. Nguyen uses a combination of diet changes, medications, and specialized therapies to restore healthy gut movement.
Will I be asleep during a colonoscopy?
Most patients receive light sedation to ensure comfort and relaxation throughout the procedure.
Is GERD a functional disorder?
GERD involves acid reflux. If no structural cause is found, it may be classified as a functional disorder, and Dr. Nguyen will tailor treatment accordingly.
Related Blogs
The Difference Between a Bellyache and Abdominal Pain
