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Esophagitis Gastroenterologist - Dr. Scott Liu
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott provides professional services to patients with esophagitis, inflammation or swelling of the esophagus. Having a 15-year experience, he identifies causes such as acid reflux or allergies and develops a unique treatment plan so that he could mitigate symptoms and avoid complications.
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
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent acid reflux
Allergic reaction in eosinophilic esophagitis (food allergens)
Certain medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics) that can irritate the lining
Infections (candida, herpes) especially in immunocompromised patients
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or obesity with chronic heartburn
Food allergies or intolerances leading to repeated irritation
Signs and Symptoms
Burning pain in the chest or upper abdomen (heartburn)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or sensation of food sticking
Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
Hoarseness, sore throat, or chronic cough-often worse at night
Bitter or sour taste in the mouth from regurgitated acid
Unintended weight loss in severe or long-standing cases
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He discusses your epigastric pain and symptoms of swallowing, past heartburn or reflux, drug history, food allergies, lifestyle issues (smoking, alcohol, weight) and history of any previous treatments.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Dr. Scott uses the camera to examine the esophagus and stomach and duodenum to determine the inflammation, erosions, strictures or rings. To distinguish between reflux related, eosinophilic or infectious esophagitis, he makes specific biopsies.
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Ambulatory pH probe- [1] monitors that measures acid exposure in 24 hours-[1] associates a reflux activity with your pain or burning feelings.
Esophageal Manometry
High-resolution manometry evaluates muscle contractions and sphincter function, ruling out motility disorders like achalasia or diffuse esophageal spasm.
Barium Swallow Study
A contrast X-ray can identify structural abnormalities (strictures, rings) and determine the flow of food through the esophagus.
Allergy Testing (for EoE)
Where there is a suspicion of eosinophilic esophagitis, skin or blood tests can be used to identify allergens and follow an exclusion diet.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for esophagitis.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Take smaller yet more frequent meals so as to reduce reflux.
Avoid high acidic and spicy or greasy meals.
Stand at least two hours after eating.
Lift up your bedhead to alleviate the symptoms in the night.
Elimination diet should be implemented when there is the suspicion of food allergy.
Medications
To reduce stomach acid- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
H 2 receptor blockers, used in the management of mild to moderate reflux.
Taken corticosteroids by the mouth to suppress allergic or eosinophilic inflammation.
Minimal or High-technology Procedures
Direct visualization with endoscopy and biopsy of upper endoscopy.
Dilation of the esophagus to eliminate strictures and enhance swallowing.
Reflux chronic management by radiofrequency therapy.
In choice situations of esophageal motility disorders botox injections are used.
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 is the ICD-10 code of esophagitis?
The coding is K20.9 general esophagitis and K20.0 eosinophilic esophagitis.
How long does healing take?
Mild forms will usually be cured within a few weeks, whereas more severe ones can take several months of regular treatment.
Will diet treatment be sufficient to treat eosinophilic esophagitis?
Dietary interventions can help some patients a great deal, although with other patients it is also necessary to have medication in order to suppress the inflammation.
Can esophagitis be left without treatment?
Yes. In the absence of good care, it may cause scarring, strictures, and permanent difficulties in swallowing.
Am I going to require multiple procedures?
Sometimes. Recurring endoscopy or dilations may be necessary in patients having persistent inflammation or strictures.
Do you treat the teens with such a condition?
Yes. Dr. Scott treats teenagers and cooperates with pediatric specialists in cases with younger children.
