A protein present in grains (like wheat, rye, and barley), gluten is commonly found in pasta, cereal, bread, and other everyday foods. But for individuals who have celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause significant digestive medical complications. The one recognized remedy for treating celiac disease is removing gluten from the daily dietary intake. When you think you could be suffering from celiac disease, partner with a physician at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center to learn if the condition could be impacting your health. Our Jackson, MS team can explain your new diagnosis and help you adjust your lifestyle and eating habits in accordance.
Learning about celiac disease
Known as an autoimmune disease, celiac disease is a disorder where the ingestion of gluten results in damage to the small intestine. Patients can be diagnosed with celiac disease at any age. Professionals estimate that close to two million people in this country have developed celiac disease and that around two-thirds of all Americans with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. If left unmanaged, gluten sensitivity may lead to serious health problems.
Do I have symptoms of celiac disease?
A patient who has celiac disease might have one or more of the following complications after ingesting gluten:
- Indigestion
- Difficulty passing stools
- Loose bowel movements
- Fainting spells
- Abdominal bloating
- Decayed teeth
- Discomfort, prickling, or numbness in the feet
- Skin rashes
If you or your loved one are noticing these common celiac disease symptoms, call our Jackson, MS center to schedule a consultation with a gastrointestinal (GI) physician. Acquiring the best care might help enhance your overall health, as well as your digestive wellness.
Celiac disease tests
A GI physician can run tests to screen for celiac disease. Your gastroenterologist may carry out just one or both of these gluten sensitivity tests to identify or exclude this disease:
- An HLA genetic test identifies the HLA-DQ8 and HLA-DQ2 alleles. Although this test will not identify the presence of celiac disease, the absence of these genes can help to rule out the disorder.
- A tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-IgA test is a blood test that is usually adequate in detecting celiac disease.
The subsequent step in diagnosing celiac disease is to do an upper endoscopy. To complete this diagnostic procedure, your GI doctor will check your small intestine for any damage by placing a thin camera device gently down your esophagus. Endoscopy is often a simple service that is completed as an outpatient procedure at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center.
Managing celiac disease
Celiac disease is a chronic health issue. But it may be treated by eating a diet comprising gluten-free foods. To help the majority of people who have celiac disease, developing a gluten-free nutrition plan may serve to temper issues or even prompt the healing of the small intestine. Patients who have celiac disease and adapt to a diet free of gluten often see improvements in their gastrointestinal tract within several weeks. Eradicating gluten from the diet may feel hard in the beginning. But through the aid of a registered dietitian and gastroenterologist at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, patients in Jackson, MS who have celiac disease can adapt their diet and go on to have happy lives.
Contact our Jackson, MS team for help with celiac disease
Being gluten intolerant could affect your overall wellness and get in the way of many areas of your life. With professional care, however, you can come to understand the condition and improve your digestive health. Schedule a consultation at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center in Jackson, MS for more on celiac disease diagnosis and management.
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