Celiac Disease
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Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division
GASTROENTEROLOGY PRACTICE LOCATED IN POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, FISHKILL, NY & HIGHLAND, NY
Around two million Americans have celiac disease; although, many more may have the condition but do not know it. Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division, with offices in Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and Highland, New York, provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to reduce inflammation in your digestive tract and relieve your symptoms. Call the practice today or make an appointment online if you have any celiac disease symptoms.
Celiac Disease Q & A
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes a severe reaction when you consume gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
As your immune system overreacts to the presence of gluten, it causes inflammation in your intestines and can damage your villi. Villi line your intestines and absorb nutrients from the food you eat.
What are the warning signs of celiac disease?
Some of the most common celiac disease symptoms include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Greasy, bulky, or foul-smelling stool
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
Celiac disease can cause other symptoms as it interferes with nutrient absorption. For example, you might be fatigued, have joint pain, reproductive problems, neurological problems like neuropathy, or balance issues.
What causes celiac disease?
Celiac disease is hereditary, which means that if you have a family member with the condition, you’re more likely to have it, too. Some studies indicate that having a high number of infections early in life can increase your risk. An abnormal microbiome may also contribute to celiac disease.
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
The physicians at Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division provide thorough consultations, including exams and tests to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
They begin by reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. During your physical exam, they look for signs of weight loss, growth problems, abdominal swelling, and dermatitis herpetiformis. They also listen to your abdomen.
When necessary, your doctor orders additional testing, including blood work, endoscopy, and small intestine biopsies. They might also suggest genetic screening to look for the gene variants associated with celiac disease.
How is celiac disease treated?
In most cases, the team at Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division helps you implement a gluten-free diet to manage your condition. You need to become an expert label reader as gluten is also in non-consumable products such as cosmetics, vitamins, and medications.
Your doctor can also provide testing to ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs. They can recommend supplements to help you stay healthy.
If you have concerns about celiac disease, call Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division, or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.