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Nervous Bowel & IBS Care in West and Northwest Houston
Nervous Bowel Treatment in Houston, TX
Houston patients with recurring cramping, bloating, urgency, diarrhea or constipation, especially symptoms that flare with stress, can see board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan at either United Gastroenterology Associates office: Katy on I-10 for west Houston, or Cypress on US-290 for northwest Houston. Dr. Khan confirms whether a nervous bowel is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another condition, then treats the cause.
Nervous bowel care at our Katy and Cypress offices
Meet Your IBS Specialist Serving Houston: 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 treats irritable bowel syndrome and related digestive conditions for patients across west and northwest Houston, and performs colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.
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
- Nervous bowel and IBS
- Chronic diarrhea and constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease and SIBO
- Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy
Which Office Is Closest to You in Houston?
Both offices share one phone number and the same physician, so you can choose the one that is easier to reach:- Katy office, 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494: usually closer for the Energy Corridor, Memorial City, Westchase, Alief, Addicks and Bear Creek.
- Cypress office, 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429: usually closer for Jersey Village, Willowbrook, Vintage Park, Champion Forest and northwest Houston along US-290.
From Spring Branch, Uptown and downtown Houston, drive times to the two offices are similar. Call (346) 340-4414 and the scheduling team will help you choose.
Directions to Katy · Directions to Cypress · Houston gastroenterologist
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
Nervous Bowel, IBS, IBD or Anxiety: What Is the Difference?
These terms are often mixed up. Knowing the difference helps you understand your diagnosis.
Nervous Bowel
An everyday phrase for bowel symptoms that flare with stress. It is a description, not a diagnosis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A recognized disorder of gut-brain interaction with recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. It is the usual diagnosis behind a nervous bowel.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation and damage in the bowel and need different treatment.
Anxiety-Related Digestive Upset
Short-lived stomach upset during stressful moments is common and usually settles once the stress passes. Persistent symptoms need evaluation.
Common Nervous Bowel Symptoms in Houston Patients
Long commutes, irregular meals and busy work schedules can make symptoms harder to manage. Typical symptoms include:
Nervous bowel symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping linked to bowel movements
- Urgency or loose stools
- Constipation or hard stools
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Mucus in the stool
- Flares with stress, travel or certain foods
These symptoms are not specific to IBS and should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.
Get Nervous Bowel Answers From a Houston-Area Specialist
Choose the Katy or Cypress office and see Dr. Khan for a careful evaluation and a plan that fits your symptoms.
How Dr. Khan Diagnoses a Nervous Bowel
The goal is a confident diagnosis with only the testing you need.
Pattern-Based Diagnosis
IBS is recognized from the symptom pattern using the Rome IV criteria, together with a history and exam.
Ruling Out Look-Alikes
Blood and stool tests may check for celiac disease, anemia, infection and inflammation.
Colonoscopy if Indicated
For warning signs, a relevant family history, or routine colorectal cancer screening.
Nervous Bowel Treatment in Houston
Treatment is individualized to your main symptoms and adjusted at follow-up visits.
Diet Guidance
Trigger identification and, when appropriate, a guided low-FODMAP diet.
Soluble Fiber
Psyllium and similar fibers for constipation and stool consistency.
Symptom-Targeted Medication
Options for pain, diarrhea or constipation chosen after reviewing your history.
Gut-Brain Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy and stress management.
Treating Other Findings
Addressing SIBO, lactose intolerance or bile acid problems if found.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Regular reviews so the plan keeps working as your life and symptoms change.
This information is educational and is not a treatment plan. Do not start or stop medication without medical advice.
When to Seek Care Promptly
These symptoms are not typical of a nervous bowel and should be evaluated promptly:- Rectal bleeding or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or persistent vomiting
- Symptoms that wake you from sleep
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- New bowel changes after age 45
- A family history of colon cancer, IBD or celiac disease
For heavy bleeding, fainting or severe abdominal pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Driving Distances From Houston Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood shows the closer office first, with the drive to the other office for comparison.
Bear Creek
Closest: Katy office, about 8.7 miles (roughly 17 minutes). Cypress office: about 13 miles (roughly 21 minutes).
Addicks
Closest: Katy office, about 10.2 miles (roughly 18 minutes). Cypress office: about 17.5 miles (roughly 28 minutes).
Memorial City
Closest: Katy office, about 15.3 miles (roughly 24 minutes). Cypress office: about 21 miles (roughly 28 minutes).
Westchase
Closest: Katy office, about 17.8 miles (roughly 27 minutes). Cypress office: about 23.6 miles (roughly 30 minutes).
Alief
Closest: Katy office, about 17.8 miles (roughly 26 minutes). Cypress office: about 26.7 miles (roughly 34 minutes).
Spring Branch
Closest: Katy office, about 17.3 miles (roughly 27 minutes). Cypress office: about 19.8 miles (roughly 27 minutes).
Jersey Village
Closest: Cypress office, about 13.7 miles (roughly 18 minutes). Katy office: about 19.5 miles (roughly 33 minutes).
Vintage Park
Closest: Cypress office, about 11.4 miles (roughly 19 minutes). Katy office: about 32.3 miles (roughly 42 minutes).
Willowbrook
Closest: Cypress office, about 14.4 miles (roughly 24 minutes). Katy office: about 22.7 miles (roughly 39 minutes).
Uptown / Galleria
Closest: Cypress office, about 25.2 miles (roughly 32 minutes). Katy office: about 22.6 miles (roughly 33 minutes).
Downtown Houston
Closest: Katy office, about 27.2 miles (roughly 39 minutes). Cypress office: about 30.7 miles (roughly 40 minutes).
Distances and times are estimates from OpenStreetMap driving routes without traffic, measured from the center of each community. Actual travel time depends on traffic and your exact starting point. Nervous bowel treatment for other areas: Katy · Cypress · Fulshear · Spring.
Our Katy and Cypress Offices for Houston Patients
Dr. Khan sees Houston patients with nervous bowel symptoms at the Cypress office at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429, convenient to northwest Houston along US-290, and at the Katy office at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, convenient to west Houston along I-10. Both offices share one phone number for scheduling.
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)
Katy Office: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494. Get directions to Katy · Houston gastroenterologist · IBS specialist
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
United Gastroenterology Associates accepts most major insurance plans, including the carriers shown here. Coverage for visits, testing, and procedures depends on your plan, so the office verifies your benefits before your appointment. 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. 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
“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
How to Schedule a Nervous Bowel Appointment
Scheduling with United Gastroenterology Associates takes three steps. Request an appointment online or by phone and choose the Cypress or Katy office.
Request an appointment
Call (346) 340-4414 or use the online request form and choose “IBS / Digestive Symptoms” as the reason for your visit.
Share your records
Bring recent lab results, imaging reports, a medication list, and any referral. The office verifies your insurance or explains self-pay options.
Meet Dr. Khan
Dr. Khan reviews your history and results, explains what they mean, and recommends next steps, which may include further testing.
Nervous Bowel Treatment in Houston: FAQs
Answers for Houston patients about nervous bowel symptoms and care at the Katy and Cypress offices.
Where can I get nervous bowel treatment in Houston?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan treats Houston patients at two offices: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494 and 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429. Call (346) 340-4414 to choose the closer one.
Which office should I choose?
West Houston neighborhoods such as Memorial City, Westchase and Alief are usually closer to Katy. Jersey Village, Willowbrook and other areas along US-290 are usually closer to Cypress.
Is a nervous bowel a real medical condition?
The phrase is informal, but the symptoms are real. Most people with a nervous bowel have irritable bowel syndrome, a recognized disorder of gut-brain interaction.
Can a nervous bowel turn into something serious?
IBS does not turn into IBD or colon cancer. Bleeding, weight loss, fever or anemia are not caused by IBS and need prompt evaluation.
What is the most effective nervous bowel treatment?
Results are best with a plan matched to your symptom type, which often combines diet changes, fiber, targeted medication and gut-brain therapy.
Do I need a referral?
Many patients can schedule directly. Some insurance plans require a referral, so the office confirms based on your plan.
Do you accept insurance?
Most major insurance plans are accepted, and the office verifies your benefits before your visit. Self-pay options are available.
Schedule Nervous Bowel Treatment for Houston Patients
Choose the Katy or Cypress office and book a visit with Dr. Khan to find the cause of your symptoms and start a plan that fits your life. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment online.
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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. “Nervous bowel” is an everyday term, not a formal diagnosis; only a medical evaluation can confirm the cause of bowel symptoms. For a medical emergency, call 911. Content reviewed by United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC. Last updated September 27, 2026.