Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Liver function studies (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that measure enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. When any of these markers fall outside the normal range, it indicates that the liver may be under stress or sustaining damage. In ICD-10 coding, abnormal LFT results are classified under code R94.5.
He reviews your health history, current medications, alcohol use, and family history of liver disease.
He checks for signs of jaundice, abdominal swelling, and liver tenderness.
He orders tests to measure liver enzymes and proteins (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) and rules out other causes of liver injury.
In select cases, a small tissue sample is taken under ultrasound guidance to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of inflammation or fibrosis.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
They are blood tests that evaluate enzymes and proteins like ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin to assess how well your liver is working.
If one or more test values are higher or lower than the normal range, it is considered abnormal. Dr. Rishi Chadha investigates the specific cause during your evaluation.
Yes. Many people with liver enzyme changes feel fine. That's why routine blood work is important for early detection.
Fatty liver disease, hepatitis B/C, alcohol use, medications, obesity, autoimmune liver disease, and metabolic conditions can all affect liver test results.
Yes. Common drugs like acetaminophen, antibiotics, statins, and some herbal supplements can elevate liver enzymes. Dr. Chadha reviews your medication history in detail.
Dr. Chadha uses your medical history, blood tests, imaging (like ultrasound or FibroScan), and sometimes biopsy to diagnose the cause of LFT changes.
Weight loss, limiting alcohol, avoiding unnecessary medications, managing diabetes, and eating a balanced diet help improve liver health.
Yes. Many patients normalize their liver enzymes with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Absolutely. Dr. Chadha typically rechecks levels in 3-6 months depending on the severity and underlying cause.
If your LFTs remain abnormal or you have symptoms like fatigue, yellowing skin, or upper abdominal pain, schedule an appointment at GastroDoxs in Houston.
