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Indeterminate Colitis
Indeterminate colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease blending features of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, often diagnosed when symptoms overlap. In Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs specializes in identifying, treating, and managing this condition through care and advanced therapies.
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
Family history of inflammatory bowel disease
Aberrant immune response that injures the intestinal lining
Environmental triggers such as stress or smoking
Most often diagnosed between ages 15 and 35
Signs and Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramping
Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom
Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
Fever or dehydration during flare-ups
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Epigastric Pain in Indeterminate Colitis
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your epigastric pain characteristics, bowel habits, weight changes, family history of IBD, and any dietary or stress‐related triggers.
Blood and Stool Tests
He orders a complete blood count (CBC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to assess inflammation and anemia. Stool studies rule out infections.
Imaging Studies
CT or MR enterography to detect bowel wall thickening, strictures, or other structural changes.
Abdominal ultrasound for a quick, noninvasive look at bowel loops and fluid collections.
Endoscopy and Biopsy
He performs a colonoscopy to visualize the colon and terminal ileum, taking targeted biopsies. Pathology helps distinguish indeterminate colitis from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for indeterminate colitis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat soft, low-fiber foods during flares
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Avoid trigger foods that upset your stomach
Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation
Keep a food journal to track symptom patterns
2. Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce gut inflammation
Steroids for rapid control of acute flare-ups
Immune-modifying therapies to regulate immune response
Biologic agents that block specific inflammation pathways
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic treatments to dilate or treat narrowed bowel segments
Laparoscopic surgery to remove severely damaged portions of intestine
Ongoing monitoring with imaging and endoscopy for disease tracking
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 is indeterminate colitis different from Crohn's or ulcerative colitis?
Indeterminate colitis shows features of both diseases but doesn't fit neatly into either category. Over time, additional tests and observation may clarify the exact diagnosis.
Can food changes alone manage indeterminate colitis?
Dietary adjustments can ease symptoms but most patients require medication to control inflammation and prevent flares.
Will I need surgery for indeterminate colitis?
Surgery is only recommended if medications and less invasive procedures fail or if complications such as strictures or perforations occur.
What kind of follow-up care will I need?
You'll have regular office visits, blood and stool tests, and sometimes repeat colonoscopies to monitor disease activity and treatment response.
Are support groups available in Houston?
Yes. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers local chapters, support meetings, and online forums for patients and families.
Is it safe to travel with indeterminate colitis?
Travel is generally safe if you follow your treatment plan, pack your medications, stay hydrated, and know where to find medical care if needed.
How soon will I start feeling better?
Many people notice symptom relief within a few weeks of starting treatment, but timelines vary based on individual severity and therapy chosen.
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