Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. If you have this condition, eating gluten causes an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages the lining of your small intestine and prevents absorption of some nutrients.
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease in adults include:
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflex and heartburn
- Anemia
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue and headaches
- Joint pain
- Mouth ulcers
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight-loss
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease in children under age 2 include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Failure to thrive
- Muscle wasting
- Poor appetite
- Swollen belly
- Vomiting
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease in older children include:
- Constipation
- Delayed puberty
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Short stature
- Weight-loss
Tests
Serology Testing
Your GI doctor may order this test, which looks for antibodies in your blood. Elevated levels of certain antibody proteins can indicate an immune reaction to gluten.
Genetic Testing
Your GI doctor may order this test, which looks for human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) that can be used to rule out celiac disease.
Treatments
Diet Modifications
Following a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease. You should avoid all foods that contain wheat, barley, bulgur, durum, farina, graham flour, malt, rye, semolina, spelt, and triticale.
Why Choose UHealth?
A motility lab for accurate diagnosis of GI conditions. The only facility of its kind in South Florida, our motility lab enables our GI specialists to provide accurate diagnoses of GI conditions more quickly and efficiently. We offer a variety of leading-edge services, such as hydrogen breath testing, anal-rectal manometry, and bio-feedback.
Broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.
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