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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. With certification and 15 years of experience, he offers personalized care plans featuring diet modifications, medications, and procedures.
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
Immune system overreaction attacking the gut lining
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your personal and family history of IBD, smoking status, medications, dietary habits, and symptoms such as epigastric pain, diarrhea, or bleeding.
Blood Tests
He checks for markers of inflammation (CRP, ESR), anemia, and nutritional deficiencies.
Stool Studies
These tests help rule out infections, detect blood, and measure fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin to gauge intestinal inflammation.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Colonoscopy (for lower GI) and/or upper endoscopy (for epigastric pain) to visualize the mucosa, identify ulcers, strictures, or inflammation, and obtain biopsies.
Imaging Studies
CT or MR Enterography to assess small-bowel involvement, strictures, fistulas, and overall disease extent.
Abdominal ultrasound or endoscopic ultrasound to evaluate epigastric organs (gallbladder, pancreas) and detect wall thickening or fluid collections.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Capsule endoscopy for small-intestine visualization or specialized motility studies to assess functional disorders contributing to epigastric pain.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
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 Crohn's and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon (large intestine).
Is IBD an autoimmune disease?
Yes. IBD occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the gut, causing chronic inflammation.
What are signs of an IBD flare-up?
Common signs include increased diarrhea (sometimes with blood), abdominal cramps, fatigue, fever, and unintentional weight loss.
Can diet alone manage IBD?
Dietary changes can help reduce symptoms, but most patients also need medication and regular monitoring by a specialist.
Are there less invasive treatments for IBD?
Yes. Options include endoscopic therapies like balloon dilation for strictures and minimally invasive surgery when necessary.
When should I see a specialist for IBD?
If you have persistent diarrhea, blood in your stool, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
Related Blogs
Understanding the Difference Between Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis
