1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Chronic Pancreatitis Doctor - Dr. Rishi Chadha

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory and progressive disease that leads to scarring, pain and dysfunction as well as digestive dysfunction of the pancreas. One of the growth models that are emphasized in the study is GastroDoxs in Houston, a gastroenterology clinic with a board-certified specialist, Dr. Rishi Chadha, who focuses on providing individualized care by combining lifestyle recommendations, cutting-edge diagnostic procedures, and non-invasive treatment methods that can alleviate symptoms and improve wellness.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
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 Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis refers to chronic swelling of the pancreas. In the long term, it results in scarring. The pancreas can cease functioning as it normalizes. This may result in stomachache and food digestion difficulties. This condition is coded as K86.1by ICD-10.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Smoking
  • Gallstones or high triglyceride levels
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes (acute on chronic)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Persistent upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back
  • Unintended weight loss and nutrient deficiencies
  • Oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
  • New-onset diabetes or difficulty controlling blood sugar
  • Bloating, nausea, or vomiting after meals

How Dr. Rishi Chadha Diagnoses This Condition

Dr. Chadha uses a thorough approach to diagnose accurately:

Health History

Dr. Chadha will enquire about your pain patterns, diet, alcohol consumption and family history of similar conditions.

Blood Tests

These assist in measuring the enzyme concentration, whole body inflammation, and in revealing any nutritional deficiencies.

Imaging Scans

Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRCP may be used to detect organ damage or blockages in the ducts.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

This test will give an enhanced perspective of the pancreas and the surrounding regions and is, additionally, able to take samples of tissues in case of necessity.

Dr. Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Our Houston team offers a full range of care for chronic pancreatitis.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

1. Changes in Lifestyle and Diet

  • Alcohol and smoking are to be avoided to slow down the progression of the disease.
  • Eat a low fat and nutrient-dense diet.
  • Take smaller frequent meals to mitigate pain.
  • Keep hydrated and visit our dietician.

2. Medications

  • Pancreatic enzymes to digest food.
  • Anesthetic solutions, including acetaminophen to nerve block.
  • Supplement of vitamin D and calcium to avoid deficiencies.
  • Oral blood sugar control insulin or oral medications as required.

3. Minimally invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • ERCP to debride duct stones and place stent.
  • EUS-guided nerve block to minimise chronic pain.
  • Surgery (e.g. Puestow surgery in some instances).
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 the ICD-10 code of chronic pancreatitis?

The code of chronic pancreatitis according to ICD-10 is K86.1.

What is the difference between acute on chronic and chronic pancreatitis?

Acute on chronic (K85.1 on K86.1) Acute on chronic is sudden exacerbation of an already damaged pancreas in the long run due to long-term inflammation.

And what are the general symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?

Some of the common symptoms comprise continuous pain in the upper abdomen (that radiates to the back), accidental weight loss, greasy or foul smelling feces, bloating, nausea and the onset of diabetes.

Would changing my dietary increase relieve my pain?

Yes. Lower sodium, nutrient-rich low-fat low-calorie diet with clasped smaller meals and increased frequency also tend to work to reduce pain and enhance digestion.

Which are the non-surgical interventions?

Pancreatic enzymes supplements, pain treatment (acetaminophen to endoscopic nerve blocks), and nutrition apply to many patients.

In which cases may surgical intervention be required?

Surgery-a Puestow procedure may be recommended when endoscopic methods do not produce a response (e.g. duct blockages or chronic pain).

When will I start to feel better?

Diet and enzyme therapy may also give results in couple of weeks whereas a more immediate effect could be achieved through endoscopic or nerve-block procedure.

Am I going to become diabetic due to persistent pancreatitis?

It is not true because some patients are closely observed with blood sugar and endocrinology works together with Dr. Chadha in the cases when it is required to use insulin or oral drugs.

Is pancreatitis chronic hereditary?

Genetic influences are possible. In case an individual has some history of the diseases in the family, she may undergo genetic testing to detect genetic types of the disease.

What is the way to make an appointment with GastroDoxs?

To schedule your appointment with Dr. Rishi Chadha, you may request a visit via our patient portal online or call our clinic at Houston to make a schedule.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

Reasons You May Need a Colonoscopy

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Who's at Risk for Colon Cancer?

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Understanding the Importance of Colonoscopies

Read More