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https://www.crystalrunhealthcare.com/specialties/gastroenterology | Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to your small intestine as a result of gluten consumption. The best way to treat celiac disease is by avoiding any form of gluten in your diet. Your doctor can confirm that you have celiac disease through an antibody test and biopsy of the tissues in your small intestine.
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WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?
What Is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine whenever gluten is consumed. Also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, the disease typically occurs in genetically predisposed individuals and affects around one in every 100 people worldwide.
What Is Celiac Disease? If you have celiac disease, eating gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye causes an autoimmune response that damages your small intestine over time. This prevents it from absorbing nutrients, known as malabsorption, which can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease Some of the main symptoms of celiac disease include: • Loss of bone density • Infertility • Recurring abdominal pain and bloating • Chronic diarrhea or constipation • Iron deficiency that doesn’t respond to iron therapy • Delayed puberty • Joint pain • Tooth discoloration or enamel loss • Anxiety or depression
Tips for Living With Celiac Disease The most important aspect of living with celiac disease is taking control of your diet. You must avoid gluten in all of its forms, which can be challenging as it is present in most grains and processed foods. Always be sure to check the allergy information on the nutritional label of any food you buy. Thankfully, there are many gluten-free products available today, including bread and baked goods, that can help the transition to a gluten free diet. The best grains to consume that are gluten free include brown or wild rice, quinoa, pure buckwheat, corn, millet, and gluten-free oats. Grains that should be avoided include barley, rye, bulgur, couscous, and any type of wheat.
How Your Doctor Can Help Your doctor or gastroenterologist can help by first giving you a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease. The symptoms caused by celiac disease could also be attributed to a range of other illnesses that should first be ruled out. Celiac disease testing typically involves antibody tests that can confirm the possibility of you having celiac disease. Once that happens, a doctor will have to follow up with a biopsy of the tissue in your small intestine. This will allow them to confirm the diagnosis and the extent of the damage to your small intestine.
How Your Doctor Can Help Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor can help you transition into a gluten-free diet. They can also provide you with vitamins and dietary supplements to combat any malnourishment you may have experienced before the diagnosis. Although medication isn’t usually required to treat celiac disease, it may be necessary to mitigate the health risks caused by the condition. Regular follow-ups with your doctor and dietitian can help assess the progression of the disease and confirm that your dietary changes are helping.
About Us Crystal Run Healthcare is a New York-based medical provider with a team of highly experienced gastroenterologists who specialize in helping people with conditions like celiac disease. You can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare physicians through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.
Sources https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/ https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/celiac-disease https://medlineplus.gov/celiacdisease.html
