Digestive Problems Specialist Serving Houston
Houston Gastroenterologist for Digestive & Stomach Problems
Ongoing stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, or digestive trouble deserves a specialist. Led by Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, United Gastroenterology Associates evaluates and treats digestive and liver problems for Greater Houston — from its Cypress and Katy offices. Most major insurance accepted, and self-pay GI options are available.
Stomach Inflammation
Inflammation of the stomach lining is called gastritis.
Esophageal Inflammation
Inflammation of the esophagus is called esophagitis, often linked to reflux.
Colon Inflammation
Inflammation of the colon is called colitis.
Small Intestinal Inflammation
May occur with Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or other causes that need evaluation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that cause ongoing digestive-tract inflammation.
What Doctor Should I See for Stomach Issues?
A gastroenterologist — also called a GI doctor or digestive specialist — is the physician who evaluates persistent stomach and digestive problems. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions throughout the digestive tract and liver, which is why they’re the right specialist when symptoms keep coming back or don’t have a clear cause.
Esophagus
Carries food to the stomach; involved in reflux and swallowing problems.
Stomach
Where digestion begins; the site of gastritis, ulcers, and burning pain.
Small Intestine
Absorbs nutrients; affected by celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.
Colon
The large intestine; evaluated for bleeding, bowel changes, and cancer screening.
Liver
Processes nutrients and filters blood; assessed for fatty liver and enzyme changes.
Gallbladder & Bile Ducts
Store and move bile; a common source of pain after fatty meals.
Pancreas
Produces digestive enzymes; involved in certain abdominal and digestive conditions.
Digestive Problems Specialist Serving Houston
If digestive symptoms keep returning, a digestive problems specialist can help find out why. United Gastroenterology Associates evaluates the full range of stomach and digestive complaints for Houston-area patients — identifying the cause and recommending the right next step, which may be lifestyle guidance, testing, or treatment depending on your symptoms.
Common reasons Houston-area patients come to us include:
Symptoms we evaluate
- Stomach pain & abdominal pain
- Bloating & gas
- Stomach burning & indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nausea & vomiting
- Constipation & diarrhea
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Difficulty swallowing
Accepting New Patients
Now welcoming new GI patients across Greater Houston.
Fast GI Access
Timely appointments for digestive and stomach concerns.
Most Major Insurance
We accept most major plans and verify coverage before your visit.
Self-Pay GI Care
Self-pay options available for uninsured patients.
Digestive Health Specialist for Houston-Area Patients
A digestive health specialist is a gastroenterologist who cares for the whole digestive system — not just when something goes wrong, but to keep it working well. That means evaluating ongoing symptoms, managing chronic conditions, and providing preventive care such as colorectal cancer screening. Whether you have a specific complaint or simply want your digestive health looked after, our team provides thorough, individualized care from our Cypress and Katy offices. Explore our GI symptoms & conditions or learn more about GI care in Houston.
Understanding Inflammation in the Digestive Tract
Gut Inflammation: What Does It Mean?
“Gut inflammation” is a broad term people often use to describe inflammation affecting part of the digestive tract. It isn’t a single diagnosis — it can involve different organs and have very different causes. A gastroenterologist can help determine where the inflammation is and what’s driving it. Here’s how the common terms relate:
Stomach Inflammation
Inflammation of the stomach lining is called gastritis.
Esophageal Inflammation
Inflammation of the esophagus is called esophagitis, often linked to reflux.
Colon Inflammation
Inflammation of the colon is called colitis.
Small Intestinal Inflammation
May occur with Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or other causes that need evaluation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that cause ongoing digestive-tract inflammation.
Stomach Inflammation & Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can develop suddenly or persist over time, and it has several possible causes — including H. pylori infection, certain medications, and other factors. Common symptoms include:
- Upper stomach pain
- Burning stomach pain or stomach burning
- Nausea
- Bloating and indigestion
- Feeling full quickly (early fullness)
Not every case of stomach burning is gastritis, and symptoms overlap with other conditions — so an evaluation helps determine the cause. Learn more about gastritis evaluation and treatment.
When stomach burning deserves evaluation
Burning that is frequent, wakes you at night, follows most meals, or comes with weight loss, vomiting, or black or bloody stools should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist rather than managed with antacids alone.
Acute Gastritis
Sudden inflammation, often from infection, medications, alcohol, or illness.
Chronic Gastritis
Ongoing inflammation that develops gradually and may persist over time.
H. pylori Gastritis
Caused by H. pylori bacteria, a common and treatable cause of gastritis.
Reactive / Autoimmune
Related to NSAIDs and irritants, or to an immune-related process affecting the stomach lining.
Is Stomach Burning Always Gastritis?
No. Stomach burning can come from gastritis, but also from acid reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection, certain medications, or other conditions. Because the causes overlap and are managed differently, a gastroenterologist can evaluate persistent burning — sometimes with an upper endoscopy — to identify what’s actually behind it.
Not Sure What Is Causing Your Digestive Problem?
You don’t need a diagnosis before you come in. If something feels off with your stomach or digestion, a gastroenterology evaluation is the right place to start — we’ll help figure out what’s going on and what to do next.
Board-Certified GI & Liver Care
Meet Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Houston-area patients are cared for by Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist board-certified in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree at Dow Medical College, completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Toledo, and completed a Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Dr. Khan has served as faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology. His combined GI and liver expertise means digestive and liver concerns can be evaluated together, by one specialist.
Credentials at a glance
- Board-certified: Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Internal Medicine
- FACP — Fellow, American College of Physicians
- FASGE — Fellow, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Former faculty: UAB & UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
- 100+ peer-reviewed publications
Digestive Conditions We Treat
Stomach & Upper GI
Liver & Related
Bowel Problems
Inflammatory Digestive Disease
Acid Reflux & GERD Care for Houston-Area Patients
Frequent heartburn, regurgitation, a sour taste, chronic cough, or the feeling of a lump in the throat can all point to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reflux that keeps returning — or that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter remedies — is worth evaluating, both to relieve symptoms and to protect the esophagus over time. Depending on your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or an upper endoscopy. Learn more about acid reflux and GERD care.
Bloating or Stomach Pain That Keeps Coming Back?
Recurring bloating and stomach pain shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as “just gas.” When these symptoms happen often, they can be related to constipation, IBS, gastritis or reflux, gallbladder problems, inflammatory conditions, or other GI disorders. Because the same symptom can come from very different causes, a gastroenterologist evaluates the pattern, timing, and your history before recommending any testing — the goal is to find the cause, not just quiet the symptom. Pain with weight loss, or pain that wakes you at night, should always be evaluated.
Colonoscopy for Houston-Area Patients
A colonoscopy lets a gastroenterologist examine the lining of the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible camera. It is used both to screen for colorectal cancer — uniquely finding and removing precancerous polyps during the same procedure — and to evaluate specific symptoms. Houston-area patients can schedule at our Cypress or Katy office. The right timing depends on your age, symptoms, and risk factors, and is decided with your physician. Explore colonoscopy, colorectal cancer screening, and colonoscopy prep.
A colonoscopy may be recommended for:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Polyps
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits
- Individual risk factors, when clinically relevant
No Insurance?
Self-Pay Colonoscopy for Houston-Area Patients
Being uninsured shouldn’t mean going without important digestive care. United Gastroenterology Associates offers self-pay colonoscopy options for Houston-area patients without insurance. A colonoscopy is still recommended based on a clinical evaluation when appropriate — not automatically — and our team can walk you through current self-pay options and what to expect. Learn more on our self-pay colonoscopy page.
Self-Pay Colonoscopy
- Self-pay options available
- Call for current pricing
- Clinical evaluation when appropriate
- Cypress & Katy locations
Upper Endoscopy & EGD for Houston-Area Patients
An upper endoscopy (EGD) lets a gastroenterologist examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Your physician may consider one to help evaluate GERD, gastritis and stomach inflammation, difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea, or other upper abdominal symptoms — and to take small tissue samples when needed. Whether an endoscopy is appropriate is always a medical decision based on your symptoms and history. Learn more about upper endoscopy / EGD, endoscopy in Houston, and EGD preparation.
Liver & Hepatology Care Serving Houston
Dr. Khan is board-certified in both gastroenterology and hepatology, so digestive and liver concerns can be managed together. Many patients are first referred for an abnormal liver enzyme result or a fatty liver seen on imaging. Non-invasive assessment with FibroScan is available when appropriate.
Fatty Liver
Fat buildup in the liver (MASLD), often linked to metabolic health.
Abnormal Liver Enzymes
Elevated liver values on bloodwork that warrant follow-up.
Hepatitis
Liver inflammation with several possible causes, evaluated by a hepatologist.
Cirrhosis
Advanced liver scarring that needs ongoing specialist management.
Diagnostic & Therapeutic GI Procedures
Colonoscopy
Screens for colorectal cancer and evaluates lower-GI symptoms.
Upper Endoscopy / EGD
Examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Capsule Endoscopy
A swallowable camera views the small intestine.
ERCP
Evaluates and treats bile-duct and pancreatic-duct conditions.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Examines the lower colon and rectum.
Esophageal Dilation
Widens a narrowed esophagus to ease swallowing.
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Measures acid exposure to help evaluate reflux.
Anorectal Manometry
Assesses rectal muscle and nerve function.
FibroScan
Non-invasive scan of liver stiffness and fat.
What Are You Experiencing?
Burning Stomach
→ Upper GI evaluation
Persistent Bloating
→ Digestive problems evaluation
Heartburn
→ GERD evaluation
Blood in Stool
→ GI / colon evaluation
Difficulty Swallowing
→ Esophageal evaluation
Bowel Changes
→ GI evaluation / colon assessment
Gut Inflammation Concerns
→ Gastroenterology evaluation
Abnormal Liver Tests
→ Hepatology evaluation
No Insurance
→ Self-pay GI options
No Insurance? You Still Have Options.
Self-Pay GI & Digestive Care for Houston-Area Patients
If you don’t have insurance, you can still see a gastroenterologist. United Gastroenterology Associates offers self-pay GI care for Houston-area patients — including a self-pay GI consultation, digestive symptom evaluation, follow-up care, selected testing, and procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy where appropriate. Our team can explain current self-pay options so you can make an informed decision. Learn more on our self-pay gastroenterologist page.
Self-Pay GI Care
- Self-pay GI consultation
- Self-pay digestive evaluation
- Ask about current pricing
- Cypress & Katy locations
Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted
United Gastroenterology Associates accepts most major insurance plans. Because coverage and benefits vary from plan to plan, our team verifies your insurance before your visit so you know what to expect. If you’re unsure whether your plan is accepted, or you don’t have coverage, just call — we’ll review your options with you, including self-pay. Call (346) 340-4414 to verify your plan or ask about self-pay GI care.
Why Houston-Area Patients Choose Us
Board-Certified GI Expertise
Care led by Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, GI & hepatology.
Digestive Problems Evaluation
Thorough workup for stomach and digestive symptoms.
Gastroenterology + Hepatology
Digestive and liver care from one specialist.
Fast GI Access
Timely appointments when symptoms won’t wait.
Most Major Insurance
We verify your plan before your visit.
Self-Pay Options
Care available for uninsured patients.
Colonoscopy & Endoscopy
Screening and diagnostic procedures available.
Accepting New Patients
Welcoming Greater Houston patients now.
Serving Greater Houston From Cypress & Katy
Houston-area patients can choose whichever of our two offices is most convenient. Both provide full gastroenterology and hepatology care. View maps & directions.
Cypress GI Office
21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640
Cypress, TX 77429
Phone: (346) 340-4414
Katy GI Office
23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555
Katy, TX 77494
Phone: (346) 340-4414
Frequently Asked Questions
What doctor should I see for stomach issues?
A gastroenterologist — also called a GI doctor or digestive specialist — is the physician who evaluates persistent stomach and digestive problems, from burning and bloating to reflux, bowel changes, and abdominal pain. If symptoms keep returning or don’t have a clear cause, a gastroenterologist can help find out why and what to do next.
What is a digestive problems specialist?
“Digestive problems specialist” is an everyday way of describing a gastroenterologist — a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions of the digestive tract and liver. It’s the same specialist, whether you call it a GI doctor, digestive specialist, or stomach doctor.
Is a digestive health specialist a gastroenterologist?
Yes. “Digestive health specialist” and “gastroenterologist” refer to the same physician — one who cares for the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, both for active problems and preventive care like colorectal cancer screening.
What doctor treats gut inflammation?
A gastroenterologist evaluates and treats inflammation in the digestive tract. Because “gut inflammation” can involve the stomach (gastritis), esophagus (esophagitis), colon (colitis), or be part of inflammatory bowel disease, a specialist determines where it is and what’s causing it before recommending treatment.
What causes gut inflammation?
Causes vary by location and include infections such as H. pylori, acid reflux, certain medications, immune-related conditions, and inflammatory bowel disease. Because the causes are so different, an evaluation — sometimes including endoscopy or colonoscopy — helps identify what’s driving it.
What doctor treats stomach inflammation?
A gastroenterologist treats stomach inflammation (gastritis). Evaluation identifies the cause — such as H. pylori, medications, or other factors — and may include an upper endoscopy so treatment can be targeted to what’s actually causing the inflammation.
Is stomach inflammation the same as gastritis?
Yes — gastritis is the medical term for inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be acute or chronic and has several possible causes, which is why an evaluation helps determine the right treatment.
What does an inflamed stomach lining feel like?
Gastritis can cause upper stomach pain or burning, nausea, bloating, indigestion, and feeling full quickly. Symptoms vary from person to person and overlap with other conditions, so persistent symptoms are worth having evaluated rather than self-diagnosing.
Can gastritis cause stomach burning?
Yes, gastritis is a common cause of stomach burning — but it isn’t the only one. Burning can also come from acid reflux, ulcers, or other conditions, so persistent burning should be evaluated to identify the cause rather than assuming it’s gastritis.
Can a GI doctor help with chronic bloating?
Yes. Chronic bloating is a common reason to see a gastroenterologist. It can be related to constipation, IBS, reflux, gallbladder issues, or other conditions — and an evaluation helps identify the cause and a plan to manage it.
Can I see a gastroenterologist without insurance?
Yes. United Gastroenterology Associates offers self-pay options for patients without insurance, including GI consultations and digestive symptom evaluations. Call (346) 340-4414 and our team can explain current self-pay options so you can plan ahead.
Does United Gastroenterology offer self-pay GI care?
Yes. We offer self-pay GI care for Houston-area patients — including consultations, digestive evaluations, follow-up, and selected testing. See our self-pay gastroenterologist page or call for current options.
Can I get a colonoscopy without insurance?
Yes. Self-pay colonoscopy options are available for uninsured Houston-area patients. A colonoscopy is recommended based on a clinical evaluation when appropriate, and our team can walk you through current self-pay options. Call (346) 340-4414 to ask.
Does United Gastroenterology offer self-pay colonoscopy options?
Yes. We offer self-pay colonoscopy options for Houston-area patients without insurance. Pricing and details are provided by our team — visit our self-pay colonoscopy page or call (346) 340-4414 for current options.
Where can Houston-area patients get a colonoscopy?
Houston-area patients can schedule a colonoscopy at United Gastroenterology’s Cypress or Katy office. Both offer screening and diagnostic colonoscopy. Learn more about colonoscopy in Houston.
Do you accept most major insurance?
Yes, United Gastroenterology Associates accepts most major insurance plans. Because benefits vary, our team verifies your coverage before your visit so you know what to expect. Call (346) 340-4414 to confirm your specific plan.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We are accepting new patients from across Greater Houston at both our Cypress and Katy offices. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment online to get started.
Does a GI doctor treat fatty liver?
Yes. Fatty liver disease is evaluated and managed by gastroenterologists and hepatologists. Dr. Khan is board-certified in both, and the practice offers non-invasive liver assessment with FibroScan when appropriate. Fatty liver is often found after an abnormal liver enzyme test.
Where are your Cypress and Katy offices?
Our Cypress GI Office is at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429. Our Katy GI Office is at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494. Both serve Greater Houston, and you can reach either at (346) 340-4414.
Stop Letting Digestive Problems Control Your Day
Digestive problems, stomach issues, gut & stomach inflammation, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and liver care — for Greater Houston, from our Cypress and Katy offices. Most major insurance accepted, with self-pay GI and self-pay colonoscopy options available. Now accepting new patients.
This page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual symptoms and conditions vary; please consult a physician for evaluation. Content reviewed by United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC.