Effective Celiac Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Physical Examination and Medical History

The diagnosis of celiac disease starts with a routine physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Based on the above assessment, doctors suggest various tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Blood Tests

Certain blood tests are prescribed to detect high levels of antiendomysium (EMA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTGA) antibodies (common among individuals with celiac disease).

Commonly prescribed blood tests for diagnosing celiac disease include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Cholesterol test
• Liver function tests
• Alkaline phosphatase level test
• Serum albumin test

Biopsy

A skin biopsy is recommended for patients with DH to help doctors diagnose celiac disease. It involves the removal of tiny pieces of skin tissue, which are sent for examination under a microscope.

Upper Endoscopy

If a blood test or skin biopsy results are inconclusive, the doctor may suggest an upper endoscopy to test for celiac disease. The procedure involves threading a thin tube (endoscope) through the mouth and down into the small intestines. The doctor examines the intestine using a tiny camera attached to the endoscope to check for any damage to the villi.

Internal Biopsy

The test is required only if the skin biopsy and blood test results are inconclusive. The process involves the removal of a tissue sample from the intestines for in-depth analysis.

Treatment for Celiac Disease

The only way to treat this condition is to remove gluten permanently from the diet. This helps with the healing process of the intestinal villi to initiate the proper absorption of nutrients. The doctor will teach ways to avoid gluten by following a nutritious and healthy diet. You will also get detailed instructions on reading and understanding food and product labels. This is important to identify ingredients containing gluten.

Following instructions given by the doctor will help improve symptoms within a few days.

Precautions for Food Ingredients with Celiac Disease

Look for gluten-free products and read the labels saying "gluten-free."

The following ingredients should be strictly avoided:

• Wheat
• Triticale
• Bulgur
• Durum
• Spelt
• Barley
• Rye
• Semolina
• Farina
• Graham flour
• Avoid the following foods unless the label says gluten-free:
• Beer
• Cakes and pies
• Cereals
• Bread
• Gravies
• Croutons
• Candy
• Cookies
• Imitation meats or seafood
• Processed lunch meats
• Sausages
• Hot dogs
• Salad dressings
• Soups
• Self-basting poultry
• Oats
• Pasta
• Sauces (includes soy sauce)

Gluten-free grains and starches that can be added to the diet:

• Buckwheat
• Cornmeal
• Pure corn tortillas
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Corn
• Amaranth
• Tapioca
• Arrowroot
• Flour made from rice, potatoes, soy, corn, or beans
• Healthy, Gluten-free Foods you can include:
• Fruit
• Fresh meats
• Vegetables
• Fish and poultry
• Wine, distilled liquors, ciders, and spirits
• Most dairy products
• Starchy vegetables
• Rice, beans, and lentils

The symptoms may improve within a few days to weeks of making the above-listed dietary adjustments.

Prevention from Celiac Disease

Currently, there is no known way to prevent celiac disease. However, there are some strategies that may reduce the risk of developing celiac disease or delay its onset:

• Breastfeeding: Studies have suggested that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing celiac disease, particularly if gluten is introduced gradually after breastfeeding is established.
• Timing of gluten introduction: Delaying the introduction of gluten in infants until after 6 months of age may reduce the risk of developing celiac disease, particularly in infants with a family history of the condition.
• Genetic testing: If you have a family history of celiac disease, genetic testing can determine if you have the genes associated with the condition. While having these genes does not necessarily mean that you will develop celiac disease, it can help you make informed decisions about monitoring for symptoms and managing your diet.
• Infection prevention:Reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections, particularly in children, may reduce the risk of developing celiac disease or delaying its onset.

It is important to remember that these strategies are not foolproof and may not prevent celiac disease in everyone. If you have concerns about your risk of developing celiac disease, talk to your healthcare provider.

Complications Associated with Celiac Disease

Untreated or poorly managed celiac disease can lead to several complications, including:

• Malnutrition: The damage to the small intestine in celiac disease can cause malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
• Osteoporosis: People with celiac disease are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
• Infertility and miscarriage: Women with untreated celiac disease may have difficulty conceiving or may be at a higher risk of miscarriage.
• Lactose intolerance: Damage to the small intestine can also lead to lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
• Cancer: In rare cases, untreated celiac disease may increase the risk of developing different types of cancer, such as intestinal lymphoma or small bowel cancer.
• Neurological complications: Some people with celiac disease may experience neurological symptoms, such as seizures, neuropathy, or ataxia.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis: A small percentage of people with celiac disease may develop dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin rash characterized by blisters and itching.

It is important to note that following a strict gluten-free diet can reduce the risk of developing these complications and improve overall health outcomes for people with celiac disease. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider, including blood tests and follow-up biopsies, may be necessary to assess the effectiveness of treatment and monitor for complications.

• Symptoms and Causes