Though celiac disease affects less than 1% of the population in the United States, many with this digestive disorder don’t even know they have it. Without proper care, celiac disease causes intestinal damage that may have long-term health consequences. At Digestive Disease Care, the gastroenterology experts specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease. To schedule an evaluation, contact their New York offices in Babylon, Lake Success, East Setauket, Mineola, or Jericho in Long Island, or the offices in Forest Hills or Jamaica in Queens, by phone or online today.
Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease triggered by gluten, a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley, and rye, that affects your small intestines. When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestines. Over time, the immune cells damage the lining of your small intestines, which affects absorption.
When left untreated, your celiac disease may lead to malnutrition and various health complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, or nervous system problems. In children, celiac disease affects growth and development.
You may be at risk of developing celiac disease if it runs in your family, or you have a family history of other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Celiac disease symptoms vary in type and severity, and some people may not have any symptoms at all. Common celiac disease symptoms include:
Your celiac disease may also cause symptoms not related to your digestive system, such as headaches, joint pain, seizures, depression, or anxiety.
The board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care conduct comprehensive evaluations to diagnose celiac disease. During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
To assist in providing an accurate diagnosis, the team requests a blood test to check for celiac disease antibodies. If your blood test results are positive, the team performs upper endoscopy and intestinal biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. To assess the severity of your intestinal damage, the team may also recommend a capsule endoscopy.
The team at Digestive Disease Care develops comprehensive care plans to meet all your medical and nutritional needs. The gastroenterologists treat celiac disease with a gluten-free diet and provide the education and tools you need so you can eliminate all sources of the protein from your diet. They may also recommend vitamin and mineral supplements to restore nutritional deficiencies and medications to reduce intestinal inflammation.
For a celiac disease evaluation, call Digestive Disease Care or book online today.
