If you have been recently diagnosed with celiac disease, you may beworried about the prospect of adopting a gluten-free diet. However, education and awareness regarding this chronic gastrointestinal disorder can help individuals and their families to enjoy better health now and for the long-term. Here, we have provided information on celiac disease, how to monitor it, and ways for living gluten-free for your best digestive health.
Celiac Disease and Gluten
Celiac disease is a chronic and often severe gastrointestinal disorder. It occurs as a response to thebody’s natural immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine as it tries to absorb foods containing gluten. Gluten is a broad term for proteins found in many common grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. As such, many foods we enjoy daily contain gluten—breads, flour, beer and a whole host of processed foods and even personal hygiene products.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Unfortunately, even tiny amounts of gluten can activate a chain of difficult symptoms associated with celiac disease. They are characterized by:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dermatitis (skin rashes)
Subtle but even more damaging symptoms include the malabsorption of key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. This deficiency leads to certain kinds of anemia and also decreased bone mass and bone softening, or osteomalacia.
Living a Gluten-Free Life
To manage the adverse effects of celiac disease, it is essential to avoid all foods that contain gluten. Education and meal-planning on the part of your gastroenterologist and a nutritionist or dietician are critical to taking control of what you can and cannot eat. This will also help you improve your nutritional status, bone health, and more.
Additional ways to live gluten-free are:
- Consistently reading all food package labels
- Avoiding fast food
- Asking servers or chefs at restaurants to prepare menu choices on gluten-free surfaces
- Informing relatives, friends, and coworkers about what you can and cannot eat
- Joining a celiac disease support group (in-person or online) to discuss the shared difficulties of the gluten-free lifestyle
Monitoring Celiac Disease
Gastroenterologists use many different kinds of assessments to diagnose and to monitor the progression of celiac disease. Blood tests can detect antibodies which increase in number with reactions to gluten. Other tests include lipid and vitamin profiles, complete blood counts (CBCs) to watch for anemia, and DEXA bone scans to assess bone loss.
If you pursue a gluten-free diet and still exhibit a number of severe symptoms, it is recommended toundergo an outpatient endoscopy. An endoscopy enables your gastroenterologist to visualize the lining of the small intestine and can help determine the best treatment for managing your symptoms.
Celiac Disease Awareness
Celiac disease patients should discuss their diagnosis with family members so they can understand the lifestyle changes which are necessary to optimize health and limit further gastrointestinal damage. It is also common for celiac disease to run in families; therefore, close relatives should discuss any symptoms with their doctor and pursue testing for celiac disease if necessary.
Digestive Healthcare Specialists in Austin, TX
At Austin Gastroenterology, we understand the many concerns celiac disease patients and their families may have. Our board-certified physicians provide the accurate diagnostics, counseling, and treatments needed to manage symptoms and to live well with this sometimes-frustrating condition.
To learn more about celiac disease, please contact the nearest Austin Gastroenterology location convenient to you. We have 17 fully staffed offices serving adults and children of all ages. Or, if you wish, use our online appointment request form, and we will contact you soon.
