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Ulcerative Proctitis
Experience expert ulcerative proctitis care with Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs in Houston. Utilizing precise diagnostics and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Nguyen offers advanced therapies, lifestyle guidance, and compassionate support to relieve symptoms, promote healing, and enhance your daily 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.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Immune system mistakenly attacking the rectal lining
Family history of ulcerative colitis or other IBD
Typical onset between ages 30 and 40 (can occur at any age)
Smoking, alcohol use, poor diet
High stress levels or living in a busy environment
Signs and Symptoms
Blood on toilet paper or in the stool
Sudden, urgent need to have a bowel movement
Feeling of incomplete evacuation
Mild abdominal cramps
Rectal pressure or discomfort
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Ulcerative Proctitis?
Step 1: Medical History and Physical Exam
Dr. Nguyen reviews your symptom history (bleeding, urgency, cramping), diet, stressors, and family background. A targeted abdominal and rectal exam checks for tenderness or signs of inflammation.
Step 2: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
He uses a thin, flexible camera to directly visualize the rectal lining. During the procedure, small biopsies may be taken to confirm inflammation and rule out other causes.
Step 3: Laboratory Studies
Blood tests: assess for anemia, elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and exclude infections.
Stool tests: identify or exclude bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that can mimic symptoms.
Step 4: Imaging (When Indicated)
In select cases, abdominal ultrasound, CT or MRI enterography may be ordered to evaluate for complications or to differentiate from other bowel diseases.
Step 5: Differential Diagnosis
He systematically rules out hemorrhoids, anal fissures, Crohn's disease, and infectious colitis to ensure an accurate ulcerative proctitis diagnosis.
Treatment
Our Team offers a comprehensive range of treatments for ulcerative proctitis.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Support
Personalized recommendations to increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Hydration strategies tailored for warm Houston weather
Advice on avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that may trigger flare-ups
Stress-reduction techniques: simple breathing exercises, regular movement, and sleep hygiene
2. Medications
First-line: Mesalamine by mouth or as rectal suppositories
Short-term steroids for rapid relief during acute flares
Immune-modulators such as azathioprine for maintenance therapy
Biologic agents in moderate to severe cases, with close monitoring
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Balloon dilation to gently widen a narrowed rectal passage
Targeted enemas or suppositories to deliver medication directly to the inflamed area
Access to clinical trials for emerging therapies in inflammatory bowel disease
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 ulcerative proctitis and ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative proctitis is limited to the rectum, whereas ulcerative colitis can affect additional parts of the colon.
What is the ICD-10 code for ulcerative proctitis?
The ICD-10 code for ulcerative proctitis is K51.2, used for medical records and insurance purposes.
Can alcohol cause a flare-up?
Yes. Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and may trigger or worsen symptoms, so it's best to avoid or limit intake.
Is proctitis the same as colitis?
No. Colitis refers to inflammation anywhere in the colon; proctitis is inflammation confined to the rectum.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients manage ulcerative proctitis with medication and lifestyle changes, so surgery is rarely required.
How often should I follow up with Dr. Nguyen?
During active symptoms, visits are typically every 4-6 weeks. Once stable, follow-ups occur every 6-12 months.
Are there support groups in Houston?
Yes. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation offers local support groups and events for people living with IBD.
