Things to Know About Celiac Disease and How the Illness Is Detected

Typically located in many foods and grains, such as rye, barley, wheat, noodles, breakfast cereal, and other carbs, gluten has the potential to be a prominent part of a person's diet. However, for adults, adolescents, or kids who have celiac disease, consuming food items with gluten can result in detrimental medical challenges. The only known solution for celiac disease is phasing gluten out of your daily intake. When you think you may be suffering from celiac disease, talk to a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology to identify and address your gluten sensitivity. Our Indianapolis, IN professionals can help you navigate your new diagnosis and help you adjust your life and nutrition.

Celiac disease and what it means

Considered an inflammatory condition, celiac disease is a disorder where ingesting gluten leads to damage to the small intestines. People can be diagnosed with celiac disease at any point in life. It is estimated that about two million Americans have developed celiac disease and that almost two-thirds of them are left undiagnosed or improperly diagnosed. When left unmanaged, this disorder might result in severe health problems.

Some signs of celiac disease

A person with celiac disease might have just one or more of the following complications after ingesting gluten:

• Lightheadedness
• Loose stools
• Skin rashes
• Constipation
• Eroding enamel
• Abdominal swelling
• Heartburn
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet

When you or someone you know experiences these typical celiac disease symptoms, call our Indianapolis, IN office to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Getting great treatment can help boost your total well-being and your intestinal wellness.

How is celiac disease identified?

A GI physician will identify celiac disease. Your GI specialist might carry out one or both of the following celiac disease tests to help confirm or rule out this illness:

• An HLA genetic test identifies the HLA-DQ8 and HLA-DQ2 alleles to either confirm their presence or rule out celiac disease.
• A tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-IgA test is a blood draw that can diagnose celiac disease in patients of all ages.

The subsequent step in detecting celiac disease is to do an upper endoscopy. To perform this test, your gastroenterologist will observe your small intestine for any deterioration by inserting a thin camera device gently through your esophagus. Endoscopy is often a simple procedure and can be performed on an outpatient basis at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Managing celiac disease

Celiac disease is an enduring disorder. But it may be taken care of by adopting a diet centered around gluten-free foods. To help most individuals who have celiac disease, having a gluten-free diet may work to relieve issues or even encourage the intestines to heal. People who have the disorder and adapt to a diet free of gluten often notice improvements to their gastrointestinal tract within a few weeks. Eliminating gluten from your diet can be difficult at first, but with the guidance of an experienced dietitian and a physician at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology, individuals in Indianapolis, IN who have celiac disease can modify their eating habits and go on to lead happy lives.

Get in touch with our Indianapolis, IN team if you think you might have celiac disease

Celiac disease might affect your overall wellness and interfere with your quality of life. To discover more information regarding celiac disease and how to manage life with this digestive condition, we encourage you to contact Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Thanks to advancements in medical technology today, gluten sensitivity doesn't have to negatively impact your life. Call our Indianapolis, IN office to schedule a consultation with a member of our team and get your health back on track.