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Autoimmune Hepatitis Doctor - Dr. Rishi Chadha

GastroDoxs, a clinic located in Houston, has Dr. Rishi Chadha who provides care to patients with autoimmune hepatitis, which is a chronic liver disease due to immune attack. With development of highly sophisticated diagnostics, customized treatment programs, and lifestyle education, he can assist patients to deal with symptoms, lessen liver damage, and become healthy.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

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.

What Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease involving the liver. Your immune system accidentally attacks your liver and may result in swelling, scarring and damage of the liver.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Family history of autoimmune diseases
  • Female gender autoimmune hepatitis is more common in women
  • Other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disorders or arthritis
  • Possible triggers: viral infections, certain medications, or environmental toxins

Signs and Symptoms

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Pain or pressure under the right rib cage
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Dark-colored urine or pale, clay-colored stools
  • Joint pain, mild fevers, or skin rash

How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Dr. Rishi Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He speaks about your symptoms, personal and family health history, alcohol use, and gives you specific physical exam.

Blood Tests

and eliminating the possibility of viral or metabolic hepatopathy.

Imaging Studies

  • Ultrasound evaluates liver size, texture, and blood flow.
  • MRI or FibroScan (elastography) measures the liver stiffness and approximates fibrosis.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

And in case interpretation is needed, a liver biopsy establishes the diagnosis, scales inflammation and performs scarring.

Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Our Houston team offers a full range of care for autoimmune hepatitis.

1. The Lifestyle and Diet Provisions.

  • Individualized meal program containing a lot of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
  • Total alcohol consumption to avoid liver damage.
  • Minimal sodium intake and consuming processed products.
  • Regulated physical workouts and the methods of taking the stress.

2. Medications

  • Prednisone (e.g., steroids) to attain liver inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine) to decelerate the auto immunological attack.
  • Periodic lab tests to modify doses and monitor side effects.

3. Minimal or Sophisticated Procedures.

  • Non-surgical monitoring of liver health: ultrasound, MRI or FibroScan.
  • When absolute diagnosis or grading is required liver biopsy.
  • Transplant evaluation referral in severe cases or in cases that cannot be treated.
  • Availability of clinical tests of innovative treatment of difficult cases.
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

It is a long-lasting liver disease in which your immune system attacks on your liver cells instead.

Is it a contagious autoimmune hepatitis?

No, it cannot be transmitted to one person to another.

What is the cause of autoimmune hepatitis?

The exact cause is unknown. There could be a role of genetic factors and triggering factors such as viruses or toxins.

What is the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis?

The diagnosis is performed by blood analysis of liver functioning and immune, imaging (ultrasound/MRI), and the biopsy of the liver is not always necessary.

What are the available treatments?

Treatment with steroids (e.g., prednisone) and immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine) are considered the standard treatment to minimize the inflammation and immunity activity.

The question is whether I will be on long-term medication.

Yes. A significant number of patients have to undergo months or even years of continuous therapy as a way of managing the disease.

Can lifestyle changes help?

Absolutely. Liver is maintained with a healthy diet, physical activity, stress, and alcohol.

Do you have dietary restrictions?

Do not take alcohol, salt and junky processed foods. Pay attention to fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and lean protein.

Is autoimmune hepatitis in children possible?

Yes. Although it is more prevalent among adults particularly among women - it may also occur at any age such as childhood.

When is it appropriate to see Dr. Chadha?

In case you feel incessant pressure, yellowness (skins/eyes turn yellow) or upper right belly pain, make an appointment to get them checked.

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