Things You Should Know About Celiac Disease
5/5/2023
Do you notice GI (gastrointestinal) issues after eating items containing gluten? Gastrointestinal effects that develop after eating gluten, like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and greasy stools, could be signs of celiac disease. An autoimmune condition, celiac disease elicits an abnormal immune response to the protein in grains known as gluten. An immune reaction occurs when gluten is consumed, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Though there is presently no method for curing celiac disease, the gastrointestinal doctors at Digestive Health Associates of Texas in Dallas, TX can help detect and address celiac disease symptoms.
In what ways does celiac disease impact your body?
People with celiac disease should always obtain a diagnosis and medical care from an experienced GI specialist. This disease may cause damage to the body if the condition is left undiagnosed and untreated. This GI disease could have a chronic impact on the small bowel, where most nutrients are absorbed by a person's body. When the protein gluten is taken up in the small intestines, it stimulates the immune system to react. Your body then sends antibodies to defend against it. These antibodies might harm the mucosa in your small bowel, impairing your digestive tract's ability to collect nutrients from food items.
Some of the other possible lasting effects of celiac disease include:
- Ulcers or scarring in the gastrointestinal tract
- Being immunocompromised
- Manifestation of new food intolerances
- Disease of the liver
- Higher risk of cancer in the intestine
How is celiac disease treated?
In general, the ideal way to address celiac disease is to avoid consuming products with gluten. After you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, you can fend off discomforting symptoms simply by not eating gluten. With time, your intestinal lining will start to heal and once again be able to sustain nutrients. Due to the fact that there is currently no cure for this disease, those with the disease might have to continue to maintain a diet void of gluten for the rest of their lives in order to stay healthy. Some treatments that may be suggested are:
- Corticosteroids
- Routine follow-up care
- Supplements
- Medication
If you want to find celiac disease treatment in Dallas, TX, the gastrointestinal doctors at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can help. Even though treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, it is important that you have been diagnosed with celiac disease prior to cutting out gluten completely to determine how it has an impact on you.
Celiac disease vs. gluten intolerance: How do they differ?
For many, gluten intolerance and celiac disease may seem alike. They lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten. However, the similarities end there. As previously mentioned, celiac disease is known to cause an atypical reaction in the body that may negatively affect the digestive tract in the long run. Gluten intolerance is uncomfortable, but it won’t create long-term damage to your GI system. Gluten intolerance can most often be addressed by supplementing digestive enzymes to minimize symptoms. Celiac disease symptoms and gluten intolerance symptoms are close to identical, which is why if you notice such symptoms, we suggest you see a GI doctor to figure out which condition you have.
Get assistance with celiac disease in Dallas, TX
At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, our team is passionate about raising celiac disease awareness. One in 133 people is diagnosed with celiac disease. Having celiac disease can alter how you live your life, often favorably. Once you’ve removed gluten from your diet, your body can heal from damage caused from gluten. With a healed body, your risk of developing one or more of the aforementioned long-term effects decreases. To learn more, get in touch with a Digestive Health Associates of Texas location. You can trust our GI specialists in Dallas, TX to address your digestive wellness.