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IBS Care in Katy & Cypress, TX
IBS Specialist in Katy, Cypress & Near Fulshear, TX
Recurring abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation can disrupt work, sleep and daily life. United Gastroenterology Associates evaluates irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the conditions that can mimic it, and builds a treatment plan around your symptom pattern at our offices in Katy and Cypress, TX. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Check insurance information.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Meet Your IBS Specialist: Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
BOARD-CERTIFIED Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
CREDENTIALS AT A GLANCE
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, United Gastroenterology Associates
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist who sees patients at the United Gastroenterology Associates offices in Cypress and Katy. He evaluates irritable bowel syndrome and related conditions, including IBD, celiac disease and chronic diarrhea or constipation, and performs colonoscopy and upper endoscopy when testing is needed.
Dr. Khan earned his medical degree at Dow Medical College, completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Toledo, and completed a gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and as an Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
He is board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine, is a Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE) and the American College of Physicians (FACP), and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles. Read Dr. Khan’s full profile.
Professional Memberships
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Fellow)
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Physicians (Fellow)
- Texas Medical Association
- Texas Society of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy
Areas of Care
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic diarrhea and constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy
What Is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term disorder of gut-brain interaction. It causes recurring abdominal pain together with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both. IBS does not cause the lasting inflammation or bowel damage seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it can have a real effect on quality of life.
Doctors diagnose IBS from the pattern of symptoms, a physical exam and, when needed, selected tests to rule out other conditions. According to the Rome IV criteria used by gastroenterologists, IBS involves abdominal pain on average at least one day a week in the last three months, related to bowel movements or to a change in stool frequency or form.
A gastroenterologist, also known as a digestive disease specialist, can confirm whether your symptoms fit IBS, identify your IBS type, and recommend treatment that targets your main symptoms.
IBS vs IBD: what is the difference? · Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
When Should You See an IBS Specialist?
Consider seeing a gastroenterologist when digestive symptoms keep coming back, last longer than a few weeks, or affect your work, sleep or daily activities. A GI evaluation may help if you have:- Recurring abdominal pain or cramping
- Ongoing bloating or gas
- Persistent diarrhea or frequent constipation
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Symptoms that have not improved with changes you have already tried
- An IBS diagnosis that you are unsure about
Because IBS symptoms overlap with other digestive conditions, a gastroenterologist can decide whether testing is needed and which tests are useful for you.
Abdominal pain specialist · Bloating and gas specialist · Changes in bowel habits
What Are the Common Symptoms of IBS?
IBS affects people differently. Some mainly have abdominal pain with constipation, while others have diarrhea or a pattern that switches between the two. Symptoms often come and go, and they may flare with certain foods, stress or hormonal changes.
Pain related to IBS often changes with bowel movements, and many people notice bloating that builds during the day.
Symptoms associated with IBS
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and a feeling of fullness
- Increased gas
- Diarrhea or urgent bowel movements
- Constipation or hard stools
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Mucus in the stool
These symptoms have many possible causes and are not specific to IBS. A qualified medical professional should evaluate your symptoms.
IBS With Constipation
IBS with constipation (IBS-C) means abdominal pain with mostly hard or lumpy stools, infrequent bowel movements, straining or a feeling of incomplete emptying. Bloating is common.
Treatment often starts with fiber, fluids and diet changes, and may include medicines aimed at constipation and pain. Pelvic floor problems can cause similar symptoms and are considered when constipation does not respond to treatment.
IBS With Diarrhea
IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) means abdominal pain with mostly loose or watery stools, often with urgency. Symptoms may be worse after meals or during stressful periods.
Because celiac disease, infection, bile acid diarrhea, microscopic colitis and inflammatory bowel disease can cause similar symptoms, a gastroenterologist may recommend blood or stool tests before confirming IBS-D.
Mixed IBS
Mixed IBS (IBS-M) means abdominal pain with both hard and loose stools, alternating over days or weeks. Some people do not fit clearly into one pattern, which is called unclassified IBS (IBS-U).
Your IBS type can change over time, so treatment is reviewed and adjusted at follow-up visits.
Gastroenterology Care for Fulshear Patients
Patients from Fulshear and nearby communities can conveniently visit our Katy gastroenterology office at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, about 21 minutes away. United Gastroenterology Associates welcomes new patients seeking evaluation for IBS, abdominal pain, bloating, bowel changes, colonoscopy and other digestive concerns.
How Does an IBS Specialist Evaluate Your Symptoms?
There is no single test that confirms IBS in every patient. A gastroenterologist combines your history, an exam and targeted testing, and orders tests only when they will answer a clinical question.
Symptom and Medical History
How long symptoms have lasted, the pattern of pain and bowel movements, diet, medications, family history and any warning signs.
Blood and Stool Tests
Tests may check for anemia, celiac disease, infection or intestinal inflammation (such as fecal calprotectin), depending on your symptoms.
Colonoscopy When Needed
Recommended when there are warning signs, when you are due for colorectal cancer screening, or when another condition needs to be ruled out.
Many people with typical IBS symptoms and no warning signs need only limited testing. The goal is an accurate diagnosis without unnecessary procedures.
Can Stress Make IBS Symptoms Worse?
Yes, for some people. The gut and brain communicate closely, so stressful periods can bring on cramping, urgency or bloating, which some people describe as a “nervous stomach.”
Stress and anxiety can worsen digestive symptoms in some people, but recurring abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation should not automatically be assumed to be caused by nerves. A gastroenterology evaluation may help determine whether IBS or another digestive condition is contributing. When IBS is confirmed, stress management and gut-directed therapies can be part of the treatment plan.
Nervous bowel evaluation in Katy · Abdominal pain, IBS and stress
Can IBS Symptoms Be Caused by Another Condition?
Yes. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and bloating can also occur with other digestive disorders. Depending on your symptoms, age and medical history, a gastroenterologist may consider:- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Celiac disease
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Microscopic colitis
- Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance
- Medication side effects
- Infections and other gastrointestinal conditions
Finding or ruling out these conditions is an important part of the evaluation, because their treatment is different from IBS treatment.
When Should IBS-Like Symptoms Be Evaluated?
Schedule a gastroenterology visit when abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation keep returning, last more than a few weeks, or affect daily life. Some symptoms are not typical of IBS and should be evaluated promptly:- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Unintentional weight loss
- Symptoms that wake you from sleep
- Persistent vomiting
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- New bowel changes after age 45
- A family history of colorectal cancer, IBD or celiac disease
- Fever or severe, worsening abdominal pain
For heavy bleeding, fainting or severe abdominal pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How Is IBS Treated?
There is no single treatment that works for everyone with IBS. Treatment is chosen according to your IBS type, your most bothersome symptoms and how they affect your life, and it is adjusted over time.
Diet Changes
Identifying food triggers, adjusting fiber, and in some cases a short, guided low-FODMAP diet with the help of a dietitian.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber, such as psyllium, can help some people with IBS, especially with constipation.
Symptom-Targeted Medication
Medicines chosen for your main symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea or abdominal pain, after reviewing your history.
Gut-Brain Approaches
Stress management and gut-directed therapies can reduce symptoms, because IBS involves communication between the gut and brain.
Treating Overlapping Conditions
Addressing conditions such as SIBO, lactose intolerance or pelvic floor problems when they are found.
Follow-Up and Adjustment
Regular follow-up to track symptoms and change the plan when needed.
This information is educational and is not a treatment plan. Results vary. Do not start or stop any medication without medical advice. Learn more about IBS.
Why Choose United Gastroenterology for IBS Care?
Patients from Katy, Cypress, Fulshear and the west and northwest Houston area choose United Gastroenterology Associates for a careful IBS evaluation and a clear treatment plan.
Diagnosis Based on Your Pattern
Your symptom history and IBS type guide which tests, if any, are needed.
Other Causes Considered
IBD, celiac disease, SIBO, infections and medication effects are considered and ruled out when appropriate.
Procedures in the Same Practice
Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are performed by Dr. Khan when testing is recommended.
Treatment Matched to Symptoms
Diet, fiber, medication and gut-brain approaches are chosen for your main symptoms.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Your plan is reviewed and adjusted as symptoms change.
Katy and Cypress Offices
Offices on Katy Freeway in Katy, convenient for Fulshear, and Northwest Freeway in Cypress, with one number for scheduling.
IBS Care at Our Katy and Cypress Offices
Dr. Khan sees patients at the Cypress office at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429, serving Cypress, Tomball, Jersey Village and northwest Houston, and at the Katy office at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, serving Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and west Houston. Fulshear-area patients usually find the Katy office most convenient. Both offices share one phone number for scheduling. IBS specialist in Katy.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Cypress Office
Cypress office – Northwest Freeway (US-290)
- Address: 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
United Gastroenterology Associates – Katy Office
Katy office – Katy Freeway (I-10) near the Grand Parkway
- Address: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
United Gastroenterology Associates accepts most major insurance plans. Insurance coverage, benefits and patient responsibility vary by plan and should be verified before treatment or procedures; the office can help you check your benefits. Self-pay options are available.
A carrier logo does not guarantee coverage for a specific plan or service. Call (346) 340-4414 to confirm your benefits.
What Patients Say About Dr. Khan
These reviews were shared by patients of United Gastroenterology Associates and are published on the practice website.
“Dr Kahn and his staff are AWESOME. He is thorough, kind, listens and puts you at ease. The staff are patient and very helpful. I was so afraid of having a colonscopy. Dr Kahn was wonderful. My procedure went so well. It was over and done with in what seemed like a minute! So expect that! Dr Kahn is excellent, I trust him completely. And I recommend him, and his staff.”
Steph Apie · Fulshear
“Dr. Khan is an exceptionally kind and compassionate physician. He truly listens to his patients and takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. His treatment plans are straightforward and easy to understand, and he provides a very personalized, attentive level of care. I felt respected, heard, and genuinely cared for throughout my visit.”
Maria Andreina Behrens · Katy
“Dr. Khan is an amazing physician. He is so kind hearted & wants to help you in every way possible. He listens & doesn’t make you feel rushed. I feel so comfortable talking to him about anything. I am so glad to have him as my gastro doctor. His staff is outstanding as well. Shout out to Dr. Khan & his staff.”
Donna LaPlante · Cypress
IBS: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about irritable bowel syndrome and IBS care in Katy and Cypress.
How is IBS different from IBD?
IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction that causes symptoms without lasting inflammation or bowel damage. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, causes chronic inflammation that can be seen on tests. Read IBS vs IBD.
Can stress make IBS worse?
Yes, stress can worsen IBS symptoms in some people. Recurring symptoms should still be evaluated rather than assumed to be caused by nerves.
What is IBS-C?
IBS-C is IBS with constipation: abdominal pain with mostly hard or lumpy stools and infrequent bowel movements, often with bloating.
What is IBS-D?
IBS-D is IBS with diarrhea: abdominal pain with mostly loose or watery stools, often with urgency.
When should IBS symptoms be evaluated?
When symptoms keep returning, last more than a few weeks or affect daily life. Bleeding, weight loss, anemia, night-time symptoms or new bowel changes after 45 need prompt evaluation.
Do I need a colonoscopy to diagnose IBS?
Not always. Many people with typical IBS symptoms and no warning signs do not need one. It may be recommended for warning signs, a family history of colon cancer or IBD, or when you are due for screening.
Where can I see an IBS specialist near Katy, Cypress or Fulshear?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan sees patients at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494 and 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429. Fulshear patients usually visit the Katy office. Call (346) 340-4414.
Do I need a referral to see an IBS specialist?
Many patients can schedule directly. Some insurance plans require a referral, so check with your plan or call the office.
Need a Gastroenterology Appointment?
United Gastroenterology Associates welcomes new patients at our Katy and Cypress offices. Send a request and our team will contact you to schedule, or call (346) 340-4414.
- Board-certified gastroenterologist & hepatologist
- Most major insurance plans accepted
- Katy and Cypress locations
- Convenient access for Fulshear patients at the Katy office
- Colonoscopy and endoscopy available when clinically appropriate
Request an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Please do not include detailed medical information; we will discuss your symptoms when we call.
Prefer to book yourself? Use our online scheduler. Insurance coverage, benefits and patient responsibility vary by plan and should be verified before treatment or procedures. View insurance information. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). niddk.nih.gov
- Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17–44. doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036
- Rome Foundation. Rome IV Criteria. theromefoundation.org
This page provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. For a medical emergency, call 911. Content reviewed by United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC. Last updated September 30, 2026.