Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of Americans, yet it remains underdiagnosed or often misdiagnosed due to its wide range of symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained digestive issues, ongoing fatigue, or even persistent nutritional deficiencies, you may be facing celiac disease without even knowing it.
With May being National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, there’s no better time to take control of your digestive health and learn how a gastroenterologist can guide you toward proper diagnosis and long-term wellness. At Gastroenterology Associates of the Piedmont (GAP), we specialize in helping patients not only manage celiac disease but thrive despite its challenges. Need help managing your celiac or searching for a diagnosis? Call us at 336-448-2427 to schedule an appointment.
Could you or a loved one be facing this condition? Read on to discover everything you need to know, from understanding the disease and its diagnosis process to treatment strategies and the vital role of a gastroenterologist in your care.
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune response triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of their small intestine. Over time, this can cause significant damage to the intestinal villi, the tiny finger-like structures that help absorb nutrients.
This condition isn’t the same as gluten intolerance or a wheat allergy. Gluten intolerance may cause discomfort but doesn’t involve an autoimmune reaction or long-term harm, while a wheat allergy involves an allergic response directly to wheat proteins.
Without proper diagnosis and care, celiac disease can lead to serious health problems by impairing nutrient absorption and overall digestive health.
Symptoms That Might Surprise You
Celiac symptoms vary widely from individual to individual, making it notoriously difficult to diagnose. While some people experience classic digestive symptoms, others may have non-GI manifestations or no noticeable symptoms at all, despite internal damage.
Here are some common and unexpected symptoms:
Common Symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Non-GI Symptoms:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Anemia and iron deficiency
- Skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis
- Joint or muscle pain
- Depression or mood swings
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriages
Symptoms also tend to vary between children and adults. Children often present with growth delays, irritability, or failure to thrive, while adults may experience symptoms like chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, or even neurological issues.
How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed
Proper diagnosis starts with a gastroenterologist. The diagnostic process can include:
- Blood Tests
Specific blood tests, such as tTG-IgA, can identify markers of an immune response to gluten.
- Endoscopy with Biopsy
An upper endoscopy allows a specialist to take a small sample of the small intestine to confirm damage to the villi, the hallmark of celiac disease.
Importantly, testing must be done while the patient is still consuming gluten, as removing it from your diet prematurely can alter results and delay proper diagnosis. Self-diagnosing based on symptoms or experimenting with a gluten-free lifestyle beforehand may lead to unnecessary confusion.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Celiac disease isn’t just about avoiding gluten in your diet; left untreated, it can result in serious complications, including:
- Malnutrition from poor nutrient absorption
- Osteoporosis due to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies
- Neurological issues, including nerve damage or headaches
- Intestinal lymphoma, a rare but severe form of cancer
Detecting celiac disease early allows for interventions that can prevent long-term damage while significantly improving your quality of life.
Managing Celiac Disease: Beyond the Gluten-Free Diet
Living with celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet, but there’s more to thriving with this condition than just avoiding wheat, barley, or rye.
Gluten-Free Lifestyle:
- Learn to identify hidden sources of gluten in processed foods, sauces, and even medications.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cooking tools and appliances for gluten-free meals.
Nutritional Support:
Work with a registered dietitian who specializes in celiac disease to design a balanced meal plan tailored to your individual needs. Many newly diagnosed patients may need supplemental iron, calcium, vitamin D, or B-vitamin complexes to restore nutrient levels.
Regular GI Follow-Ups:
Collaborate with a gastroenterologist to monitor your intestinal healing, assess symptoms over time, and ensure you’re maintaining proper nutrient absorption.
How GAP Supports Patients with Celiac Disease
At GAP, we understand that celiac disease is more than a dietary restriction; it’s a lifelong condition that can feel overwhelming without the right support.
Here’s how we help our patients manage celiac disease with ease and confidence:
- Expert Diagnostics
Using advanced blood tests and endoscopic techniques, we provide accurate, timely diagnoses so you can take control of your health.
- Ongoing Monitoring
Our specialists offer long-term care plans designed to prevent complications and keep you feeling your best.
- Patient Education
From personalized diet plans to educational resources, we empower our patients with the knowledge to make healthy choices every day.
We’re dedicated to a patient-focused approach that prioritizes your digestive health and overall well-being.
Partner with a GI Specialist to Thrive, Not Just Survive
Living with celiac disease doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your quality of life. With the right care, guidance, and tools, you can confidently manage the condition and protect your health for years to come.
If you suspect you or someone you love may have celiac disease, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today at 336-448-2427 to schedule an appointment with a board-certified gastroenterologist who truly understands your unique needs. By taking proactive steps, you can move from surviving to thriving with celiac disease.