Celiac Disease Treatment in Columbus, GA
Celiac Disease Care for Patients Throughout West Central Georgia and East Central Alabama
Celiac disease is a condition in which the immune system responds negatively to gluten, a protein compound found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. When it detects gluten in the body, the immune system triggers reactions that cause the lower intestines to become inflamed. Ingesting even a minuscule amount of gluten can lead to severe intestinal inflammation, among numerous other complications and side effects.
Celiac disease is a life-long issue, and about one in every 100 people are affected by it. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood, but some can develop the condition later in adulthood. If you, your child, or a loved one are showing signs of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, turn to the celiac disease specialists at Southeastern Gastroenterology for answers and effective treatment.
settingsSchedule Treatment for Celiac Disease Today: 706-655-8800
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease—sometimes called celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, idiopathic sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and gluten-induced enteropathy—is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the small intestine after it encounters gluten. In a healthy patient, the small intestine is lined with villi, little hair-like projections that help absorb nutrients from food. For people with celiac disease, the body attacks the small intestines and damages the villi, causing painful inflammation and disrupting the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Because it disrupts the body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients, celiac patients also tend to experience malabsorption, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies like anemia, weakened bones (osteoporosis), dental issues, cancer development, and other painful or debilitating side effects. Patients are also at an increased risk of experiencing fertility issues, miscarriage, menstrual irregularity, impaired blood clotting, recurring mouth sores, and more.
Celiac Disease Treatment From Southeastern Gastroenterology
The GI specialists for celiac disease at Southeastern Gastroenterology understand the pain and frustration undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease can cause. We offer the diagnosis and treatment you need to reduce inflammation and avoid flare-ups. Through education and guidance, we help our patients avoid gluten and eat with confidence again. We also offer treatment solutions when dietary changes alone do not diminish intestinal inflammation.
Exam
In the exam portion, you and your celiac disease specialist will talk about your medical history and symptoms, including details like:
- Family history of celiac disease or gluten intolerance
- Personal history of celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders
- Lifestyle habits, especially eating habits/diet
Based on your conversation, your doctor may require additional testing to confirm the presence of celiac disease.
Testing
In addition to evaluating your history and current symptoms, we may require tests like:
Blood test
We’ll draw blood to screen for specific markers indicating celiac disease
Upper GI endoscopy
We will insert a flexible tube, or endoscope, into the esophagus to inspect the small intestine and perform a biopsy. This requires a mild sedative.
Biopsy
During the endoscopy, we will take a small sample of the small intestine lining to evaluate and confirm celiac disease.
Because celiac disease can present similarly to other gastrointestinal disorders, diagnosis can be challenging. Your doctor may require testing to evaluate kidney and liver function, as well, to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are not a lot of medical interventions for celiac disease. The greatest form of treatment is the strict avoidance of any food that contains gluten.
- Examples of gluten-filled foods to avoid (not extensive): Anything made with wheat, rye, or barley, including bread, pasta, cereals, pastries, beer, most battered foods, certain condiments, and other foods.
- Examples of gluten-free foods to eat (not extensive): Fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, tofu, rice, corn, quinoa, millet, and buckwheat, as well as gluten-free-labeled breads, pastas, pastries, oats, condiments, and other packaged products.
When adhering to a gluten-free diet, always read food labels and ask questions about ingredients and food prep when dining out.
For those with particularly aggressive intestinal inflammation that does not resolve after transitioning to a gluten-free diet, your celiac disease doctor may consider a regimen of anti-inflammatory medications to help soothe the lining and calm the inflammation.
Patients with celiac disease should maintain regular check-ups with Southeastern Gastroenterology to monitor nutrition and overall health.
Schedule a Celiac Disease Consultation: Call 706-655-8800 Today.
Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors of Celiac Disease
The following are common symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with celiac disease.
Celiac Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of celiac disease can vary from patient to patient but may include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Excessive gas or flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
Celiac Disease Causes
There is still a lot to be discovered when it comes to what causes patients to develop celiac disease.
It is known to have a genetic component, as the condition often runs in families. However, other factors, such as environmental or immunological triggers, may also play a role in its development.
Celiac Disease Risk Factors
You are more at risk of developing celiac disease if you:
- Have a family history of celiac disease
- Carry certain HLA genes
- Have certain genetic disorders
- Have autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or Addison’s disease
- Are of Western European descent
- Are female (although men can develop celiac disease, as well)
Southeastern Gastroenterology Cares for Your Gut Health
Southeastern Gastroenterology is dedicated entirely to your GI health for the benefit of your overall well-being. We strive to make sure you have a positive experience receiving care from our GI doctors by combining fast appointment scheduling with compassionate and honest communication and cutting-edge solutions. In addition to our celiac disease diagnosis and care, we offer healthcare solutions for all other GI conditions you may be experiencing or suffering from.
- Acid Reflux and Heartburn
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Colon Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Other Conditions
Additional Conditions We Treat
- In-Office Services
- In-Hospital Procedures
- Pediatric Services
- Endoscopy Services