What Should You Know About Celiac Disease?
5/5/2023
Do you experience gastrointestinal (GI) problems when you eat gluten-containing items? Gastrointestinal effects that occur after consuming gluten, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and oily stools, may be a result of celiac disease. An autoimmune disorder, celiac disease stimulates an irregular immune response to the protein found in grains known as gluten. An immune reaction occurs with gluten consumption, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Though there is presently no way to cure celiac disease, the gastrointestinal doctors at Gastroenterology Associates in Baton Rouge, LA can help identify and treat celiac disease symptoms.
In what ways does celiac disease affect a person's body?
Patients who have celiac disease are encouraged to get an official diagnosis and medical treatment from an experienced digestive health physician. This condition can harm the body if the condition is left undiagnosed and untreated. This GI condition can have a long-term impact on the small bowel, where the majority of vitamins and other nutrients are absorbed by the body. When the protein gluten is absorbed in the small bowel, it elicits the immune system to react. Your body then sends antibodies to defend against it. Such antibodies might harm the tissue in your small intestine, impacting the GI system's ability to gain nutrients from food products.
Some of the other possible lasting impacts of celiac disease are:
- Compromised immune system
- Ulcers or scarring in the GI tract
- Liver conditions
- Increased risk of intestinal cancer
- Occurrence of new food intolerances
What are the treatment options for celiac disease?
In general, the ideal approach to treat celiac disease is to avoid consuming foods containing gluten. Once you have been tested and diagnosed with celiac disease, you can prevent future symptoms by cutting out gluten. Eventually, the lining in your intestine will heal and once again and be able to absorb nutrients. Because there is no cure for this disease, individuals may want to refrain from gluten for the rest of their life in order reduce the damage of the small intestine. Some treatments that might be recommended include:
- Medication
- Corticosteroids
- Routine follow-up care
- Supplements
If you want to find celiac disease treatment in Baton Rouge, LA, the gastrointestinal doctors at Gastroenterology Associates may be able to help. While the main form of treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, it is important that you are diagnosed as having celiac disease before you cut out gluten entirely to verify how it has an impact on your body.
Celiac disease vs. gluten intolerance: How do they differ?
On the surface, gluten intolerance and celiac disease can seem alike. They both cause unpleasant gastro symptoms after consuming gluten. However, the similarities come to an end there. As mentioned above, celiac disease is known to cause an abnormal reaction in the body that may negatively impact the GI system over time. While gluten intolerance is uncomfortable, it won’t cause harm to your GI system. Gluten intolerance can most often be addressed with digestive enzyme supplements that are known to help reduce GI symptoms. Celiac disease symptoms and gluten intolerance symptoms are basically interchangeable, which is why if you have such symptoms, we suggest you be checked by a gastroenterologist to determine which condition you are experiencing.
Find support for celiac disease in Baton Rouge, LA
The team at Gastroenterology Associates is passionate about educating patients on celiac disease awareness. Every 1 in 133 individuals is diagnosed with celiac disease. A diagnosis of celiac disease can change how you live, usually for the better. After removing gluten, your body will start to heal from the damage caused by eating gluten. With a healed body, your risk of having any of the above long-term effects diminishes. To request an appointment, contact a Gastroenterology Associates location in your community. You can trust our board-certified gastroenterologists in Baton Rouge, LA to help preserve and protect your digestive wellness.