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Expert Abdominal Pain Specialist
Pain in the stomach can disrupt normal living. Dr. The cause of your abdominal distension can be determined by means of quality assessment and treatment which is offered by Scott, GastroDoxs in Houston. He ensures that he is properly diagnosed and cured both in terms of change in lifestyle and the most recent minimal invasive surgery.
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
Infection or inflammation (e.g. Crohn disease, diverticulitis)
Tumor or polyps of the stomach or the bowel.
Hernia bowel obstruction or scar tissue.
Rise of the fluid or abscesses in the abdominal organs.
Previous surgery or trauma of the abdomen.
History of gastrointestinal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Alcoholism, smoking or certain drugs.
Signs and Symptoms
Constant abdominal cramping or pain.
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel movement (constipation or diarrhea)
In the stool blood or black, tarry bowel.
All the time bubbles or a fullness.
In case of an infection fever or night sweats.
Patients who do not have any symptoms and whose first sign is the CT scan are present.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
What he begins by asking is where you are feeling pain, how severe, when, how long, and what activates your pain (food or stress) and whether it radiates and whether it is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, bloating, or changes in your bowels.
Laboratory Tests
The existence of infection, inflammation, or organ failure can be determined in advance through blood testing. Tests may include:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Liver enzymes and pancreatic enzymes.
Renal performance and ionic equilibrium.
H. pylori: positive in the presence of upper GI pain.
Urinalyses with suspected urinary causes.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to check the organs, namely, the gallbladder, liver, kidneys or uterus (in females).
CT scan to take a closer examination of the structures in the abdomen especially when it is painful and pain that does not have any real explanation.
To exclude bowel obstruction or abnormal gas pattern X-rays.
Endoscopic Evaluation
In the case of a suspicion of upper or lower GI causes, Dr. Scott can perform the following:
Upper endoscopy (EGD): The assessment of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with regard to ulcers, inflammation or reflux disease.
Colonoscopy: Does colonic inflammation, tumors, or any other colonic abnormalities cause lower abdominal pain?
Additional Testing (If Needed)
Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Scott may recommend:
Stool infection or inflammatory marker tests.
Lactose intolerance or SIBO breath test.
Female pelvic ultrasound of the gynecologists.
Mobility examination in chronic functional abdominal pain.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for abnormal pain findings.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat in small and frequent portions.
Take fiber to make your digestion easier.
Avoid gas-inducing or acidic food.
Drink more water
Stress can be dealt with through light exercise or relaxation.
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 situation shall I seek aid in the pains in the abdomen?
Seek medical care when your pain is so severe and more than 24 hours and is accompanied by other signs including fever, vomiting or blood in your stool or vomit.
Do stress levels cause top left abdominal pains?
Yes. Others which can be attributed to stress are acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that can cause burning or sharp pains beneath the left rib.
Why do we feel pain in the lower abdomen as females?
The most common causes are menstrual pains, ovarian cysts, or an infection of the urinary tract (UTIs), or stomach issues, including IBS.
Is abdominal pain something that I must image?
No. The imaging studies such as the ultrasounds or CT scans are ordered only when your historical, physical examination and laboratory report tell you that further assessment needs to be done.
Pre-endoscopy Visa What do I need to do prior to a necessary endoscopy?
You shall be expected to go hungry some hours. Our team will provide specific instructions to what one should not eat and how to cook the food so that the process could be safe and easy.
Will dietary change do any good to my pain?
Yes. One can eliminate trigger foods e.g. spicy, fatty or acidic food and eat more and smaller meal portions in order to alleviate abdominal discomfort.
Does ICD-10 code matter to abdominal pain?
Absolutely. Good coding is used to aid the correct diagnosis and arrange the treatment plans and get the insurance approvals and reimbursements.
