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Expert Change in Bowel Habit Specialist
Experience the best of the expert digestive care in Houston in GastroDoxs with Dr. Scott. Chronic diarrhea, constipation or irregular bowel movements? The general examinations, diagnostics in high-technology and personal treatment courses help restore the comfort and self-confidence. Get your booking and you are guaranteed to be relieved.
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.
Medical side effects of drugs (antibiotics, laxatives)
Stress or anxiety
Over 50 years of age or a history of colon cancer in the family.
The recent journey to another country, where the exposure to new pathogens has happened.
Signs and Symptoms
Lasting a few weeks of diarrhea.
On beyond your normal pattern constipation.
Switching diarrhea and constipation.
Blood or mucus in the stool
Achronic or cramping pain, or bloating of the abdomen.
Unexplained weight loss
Sense of incomplete bowel evacuation.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He investigates your symptoms (e.g., epigastric pain), whether you had celiac disease or any other autoimmune disease in the family, or whether you had any previous issues with the gut.
Blood Tests
We screen with the celiac-specific antibodies such as tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) and total IgA to screen against an immune response to gluten.
Genetic Testing
In the event of uncertain diagnosis, one can test HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 gene determination of your genetic predisposition to celiac disease.
Endoscopy with Biopsy
Through an endoscopy, an upper endoscopy provides Dr. Scott with a chance to sample small parts of your small intestine. Microscopic examination of the gluten related changes such as villous atrophy is confirmed.
Additional Testing (if needed)
Capsule endoscopy to observe into such places which a conventional scope has been unable to reach in case the symptoms may still be there.
Deficiency assessment (iron, vitamin D, calcium) to specify the intake of the supplement.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for changes in bowel habits.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Progressively incorporate fiber in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Use 6-8 glasses of water per day.
Monitor triggers using a food diary.
Fight stress through exercise of walking or through breathing exercises or yoga.
2. Medications
fiber supplement or constipation softeners.
The Loperamide, an anti-diarrheal medication.
Antispasmodics to relieve cramping.
Probiotics to ensure a healthy gut.
Prescription of treatment of such conditions as IBS or IBD.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Colonoscopy to examine the mucosa of the colon colored polyps or inflammatory diseases.
Increase in the size of the balloons to expand the constriction of the colon.
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
How soon will I feel better?
Most patients are able to experience improvements during 2-4 weeks of implementing dietary changes or medications prescribed. Dr. Scott will monitor your progress and will change treatment.
Do I need a colonoscopy?
The existence of your age, symptoms, and risk factors will diminish or increase your need to undergo a colonoscopy or not. Dr. Scott will investigate your history and inform you about the time and reason of having this test.
Is bowel habit change severe?
A change in the bowel may be insidious though it could also be a sign of IBS, IBD or colon cancer. The reasoning behind this is that early diagnosis helps to identify major issues earlier.
Can stress affect digestion?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can alter the movement of food in your digestive tract and leave you with a case of diarrhea, constipation or cramps.
What if I see blood in my stool?
Call our office immediately. Though blood in the stool is an inconclusive diagnosis, it might be a life threatening condition to be diagnosed and treated at all cost.
Are alternative medicine?
Natural products that aid in gut health include fiber, probiotics and peppermint oil. Dr. Scott can guide you on any supplements you want to take.
Am I insured under your tests?
Most of the large insurance plans are accepted by us and we would make sure that you are informed of the potential expenses before any procedure is done to you.
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