1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Top Ulcerative colitis Gastroenterologist
Dr. Scott works in GastroDoxs in Houston, where his ulcerative colitis practice focuses on providing customized and specialized care to patients of ulcerative colitis, a long-lasting inflammatory disease of the colon. By integrating comprehensive diagnostics, personal treatment plans-such as lifestyle education, pharmacological, biologic, and minimally invasive therapy-he allows the patient to experience long-lasting recovery in the long term.
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.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Family history of ulcerative colitis
An overactive immune response attacking the colon lining
Environmental triggers such as stress, diet changes, or infections
Most diagnoses occur between ages 15 and 30
Local factors in Houston-like climate shifts and dietary patterns-may influence flare-ups
Signs and Symptoms
Frequent, urgent diarrhea often mixed with blood
Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Unintended weight loss and decreased appetite
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Fever during moderate to severe flare-ups
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Ulcerative Colitis?
Dr. Scott takes time to understand your symptoms through a detailed diagnostic process:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He will start with the review of your medical history and will take a physical assessment as a way to assess your symptoms.
Blood Tests
These assist in identifying anemia or an increase in inflammatory markers that are usually found in ulcerative colitis.
Stool Tests
Stool testing is done to eliminate bacterial or parasitic infections which can justify the symptoms of colitis.
Colonoscopy with Biopsy
This procedure allows Dr. Scott to view the colon and take small tissue samples to confirm ulcerative colitis.
Imaging Studies
The magnitude of inflammation and complications can be evaluated by using CT or MRI scans.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for ulcerative colitis.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Consume soft food with the low content protein and cooked vegetable food.
Be well hydrated and take much water particularly when there is a flare.
Meditate or do some light exercises to overcome stress.
Stop smoking to lessen the severity of symptoms.
Medications
To minimize inflammation: use 5-ASA drugs (e.g., mesalamine).
Short-term steroids used in case of flare-exit.
Antireumatics to suppress hyperfunctional immune system.
Biologics in moderate severe disease control.
Patients who are not responding to the other types of the JAK inhibitors are prescribed the same.
Minimum or Sophisticated Surgeries
To enlarge constricted coeval parts of the colon Endoscopic dilation to open constricted coeval parts of the colon.
Refractory cases should be surgically treated with colectomy.
Enhanced imaging (CT/MRI) to determine the extent of the disease and to choose the treatment option.
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 triggers a flare-up?
A flare can be caused by the lack of medications, infections, stress, or even by some foods.
How long does a flare last?
It may take a few days or a number of weeks. The appropriate treatment can reduce the flare.
Is it Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn?
No. Ulcerative colitis does not target any other area. The Crohn disease has the ability to attack any area along the digestive system.
Is diet a cure to ulcerative colitis?
No. Dietitary modifications are helpful in the management of symptoms but medication is required to treat the underlying inflammation.
So what is the difference between 5-ASA and biologics?
Mesalamine and 5-asthmadrug2 Mesalamine is mild to moderate. Biologics are effective therapies that are used in moderate to severe disease or when other treatments fail.
How frequently do I have to do a colonoscopy?
The majority of patients should have a surveillance colonoscopy that would allow checking inflammation-related damage and cancer risk within one to three years.
Do we have anything new to treat?
Yes. Dr. Scott provides the most recent FDA approved treatments such as JAK inhibitors and complex biologic therapies.
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