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.
Collagenous colitis is a form of microscopic colitis characterized by chronic, watery diarrhea. Under the microscope, a thick layer of collagen (a structural protein) is seen just beneath the lining of the colon. Despite frequent, urgent bowel movements, the colon appears normal on standard imaging or endoscopy. With proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms typically improve quickly.
He reviews your bowel habits, medication use (NSAIDs, PPIs, antidepressants), autoimmune history, and performs a physical exam to check for abdominal tenderness or distension.
We analyze stool samples to rule out infections (bacteria, parasites), Clostridioides difficile, and measure inflammatory markers like fecal calprotectin.
Occasionally, blood tests for celiac disease or thyroid function are ordered, or imaging studies (CT or MRI) to exclude other gastrointestinal conditions.
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.
Collagenous colitis may be triggered by certain medicines (NSAIDs, PPIs, antidepressants), autoimmune conditions (like celiac disease), age (over 50), female gender, and smoking.
It's not life-threatening but can disrupt daily life with persistent watery diarrhea and fatigue if not treated.
Your doctor will review your health history and do stool tests, then perform a colonoscopy with biopsy to look for the characteristic collagen layer under the microscope.
Some people improve on their own, but most benefit from dietary changes and medications to control symptoms and prevent relapse.
The official code used for insurance and medical records is K52.82.
Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks on treatment, though some may need longer courses of medication or diet adjustments.
Yes. Plan ahead by staying hydrated, packing antidiarrheal meds, and mapping out restroom stops along your route.
They both cause chronic watery diarrhea but differ under the microscope: collagenous colitis has a thick collagen layer, while lymphocytic colitis shows excess lymphocytes.
Surgery is very rare and reserved for severe cases that don't respond to medical or dietary treatment.
Check patient education materials from the American College of Gastroenterology or ask Dr. Chadha for trusted resources during your visit.
