Celiac Disease

It’s estimated that about 3 million people in the United States have celiac disease, but most may not know it. At Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hussein Abidali, DO, and the gastroenterology team provide comprehensive evaluations to diagnose and treat celiac disease. Do you have concerns about celiac disease? Schedule a consultation with the experts at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the small intestine. When people with celiac disease consume foods or products with gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley — their immune system attacks the small intestine, causing inflammation.

Over time, the inflammation damages the small intestine, affecting digestion and absorption. People with celiac disease may develop nutritional deficiencies when left undiagnosed and untreated. 

Researchers are still trying to understand what causes celiac disease but theorize it may develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Celiac disease tends to run in families. 

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Celiac disease symptoms vary. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss 
• Fatigue

Bone loss, anemia, skin rashes, and nervous system disorders may occur if you have nutrient deficiencies. In children, celiac disease may cause poor appetite, slow growth, and difficulty gaining weight. 

Some people with celiac disease have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. 

What tests diagnose celiac disease?

The team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. performs a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about celiac disease. They may first run a blood test to check for antibodies for gluten if they suspect you might have celiac disease.

If they have strong suspicion your symptoms are due to celiac disease, they may run bloodwork and perform an upper endoscopy and do a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm or rule out the condition.

To get the most accurate blood test and biopsy results, you must continue to eat your normal diet. You may get false negative results if you suspect you have celiac disease and cut out gluten-containing foods.

What are the treatments for celiac disease?

Eliminating all gluten from the diet is the main treatment for celiac disease. Most patients notice an improvement in symptoms within two weeks after starting their gluten-free diet.

The team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. guides you on what you should and shouldn’t eat and how to identify gluten-containing foods. They also refer you to an experienced dietitian who can teach you how to eat, shop, and prepare gluten-free meals.

Though rare, some people continue to have symptoms following a gluten-free diet. This is called refractory celiac disease, which requires medications to suppress the immune system. 

Celiac disease can cause serious damage when left untreated. Call Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. or request a consultation online to find out if you have celiac disease.