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.
Lymphocytic colitis is a form of microscopic colitis that causes swelling in the lining of the colon. Immune cells called lymphocytes accumulate in the colon wall, leading to persistent watery diarrhea. Although the colon appears normal during a standard colonoscopy, characteristic changes are seen only under the microscope.
Note: The ICD-10 code for lymphocytic colitis is K52.81.
Dr. Chadha reviews your symptoms, diet, medications (including NSAIDs, SSRIs, PPIs), and any past gut infections or autoimmune conditions.
Blood and stool tests are performed to rule out infections, check for inflammation, and assess overall gut health.
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Chadha inspects the colon lining (which often appears normal) and takes a small tissue sample. Under the microscope, increased lymphocytes in the colon wall confirm lymphocytic colitis.
Once confirmed, the diagnosis is documented using ICD-10 code K52.81 for proper treatment planning and insurance purposes.
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.
Lymphocytic colitis is a form of microscopic colitis where lymphocytes-immune cells-build up in the colon lining, causing chronic watery diarrhea even though the colon looks normal on scope.
It's not life-threatening but can significantly affect quality of life due to frequent, urgent diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
It behaves like one-immune activity against the colon wall-but isn-t officially classified as an autoimmune disease.
Triggers include certain medications (NSAIDs, SSRIs, PPIs), past gut infections, and unknown factors; age over 50 and female gender increase risk.
After ruling out infections with blood and stool tests, diagnosis is confirmed by colonoscopy with biopsy, showing lymphocyte buildup (ICD-10 code K52.81).
Treatment includes diet/lifestyle changes, budesonide (a locally acting steroid), anti-diarrheals, mesalamine, and sometimes immune-suppressing drugs for severe cases.
Most patients experience symptom relief within 6-8 weeks of starting appropriate therapy.
Yes, flares can recur. Long-term management and trigger avoidance can reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Surgery is extremely rare and reserved as a last resort when all other medical treatments have failed.
