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Top Constipation Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Do you have hard, natural, and painful bowel movements not frequently? Dr. Scott offers evidence based holistic, an individualized, care-dietary adjustments, medications, and advanced treatment- to successful constipation relief, restoration of long-term complication, and dietary well-being in a favorable environment at GastroDoxs in Houston.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is the less than three bowel movements in a week. It can also be defined by tough, dry or painful stools. As constipation is normal in some occasions, persistent symptoms may lead to discomfort, elasticity and even back pain.
The capability to resist the need to pass a bowel movement.
Medical problems like diabetes, IBS or nerve diseases.
Signs and Symptoms
The problem of bowel movements.
Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
This feeling of evacuation being unfinished.
Abdominal pain or bloating
Reduced normal bowel movements.
Abdominal pressure leads to lower back pains.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Constipation?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He investigates your bowel, diet, fluid, exercise and uses medication and performs a physical examination of the abdomen and rectum to investigate your bowel and the competence of your pelvic floor.
Blood Tests
We also test thyroid, calcium and electrolytes and other metabolic markers which might also played a role in slow bowel movement.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal X-ray to estimate stool load, bowel gas and rule out obstruction.
An ultrasound of the abdomen to detect the presence of masses or structural deformities which may slow down the bowel movements.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Colonoscopy is recommended in patients who are over the age of 50 and patients with alarm symptoms (blood in the stool, unexplainable weight loss, anemia) in order to exclude colon pathology.
Specialized Testing (if needed)
Stool pressure and straining coordination Anorectal Manometry.
Movements of the pelvic floor and emptying of the rectum by dynamic MRI or defecography.
The rate of stool transit in the colon is tested by colonic transit of radiopaque markers.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for constipation.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Take 25-30g of fiber daily in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
Drink 8-10 cups of water each day
Follow a ritual to use the bathroom following meals.
Work out nearly every day of the week.
2. Medications
Supplements that contain fiber such as psyllium.
Osmotic laxatives include MiraLAX (17-34g/day).
Temporary short term short-course relief using Magnesium citrate.
Stool softeners e.g. docusate
Lubiprostone and linaclotide drugs can be used by prescription.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Pelvic floor coordination: biofeedback therapy.
Chronic cases: sacral nerve stimulation.
Colonic irrigation of selected patients.
Process Surgical management of severe type constipation of slow transit.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a merciful chart of constipation of high-fiber foods look like?
Choose between fruit e.g. apples, pears, vegetables e.g. broccoli, carrot, grains e.g. oats, brown rice and legumes e.g. beans, lentils.
Is the back pain when one is constipated?
Yes. Solid bowel movements and the bowel movements are infrequent strain and put pressure on the abdomen resulting to lower back pain.
How much MiraLAX is the most safe to take when constipated severely?
It is 17 grams per day with Dr. Scott adding it to 34 grams provided it is necessary and safe to the patient.
Is magnesium citrate safe?
In short term use Mg citrate is not harmful to treat constipation. It should not be put on the daily basis without any medical attention.
Under what circumstances do you need to see a specialist in Houston?
See a gastroenterologist when the number of bowel movements is less than three a week in a few weeks, painful, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss.
Are there any side effects of constipation drugs?
Others produce gas, swelling or bloating. Dr. Scott will design the treatment plan based on your response.
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