Find out the symptoms of celiac disease and how to manage your symptoms.
By now, many people have heard of celiac disease; however, not many people understand what it is. While this condition affects the digestive tract it’s actually an autoimmune disorder. When a person consumes gluten not only does the body begin attacking the intestines but it also affects how the body absorbs nutrients. Find out more about the warning signs of this disorder, when to see a doctor, and how our Las Vegas, NV, gastroenterologists help patients manage their symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Here are the classic symptoms of celiac disease:
- Diarrhea or constipation (or both)
- Bloating
- Gas
- Unexplained fatigue
- Weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Itchy rash
If you are dealing with these symptoms, particularly after eating wheat products, then you should visit your Las Vegas gastrointestinal doctor to find out if you could have celiac disease. It’s important to distinguish between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Those with gluten sensitivity may experience similar symptoms to celiac disease but they often aren’t as intense and it doesn’t cause the immune system to attack the intestinal tract like true celiac disease. Untreated celiac disease can also lead to a host of other complications including osteoporosis, other immune disorders and even cancer, so it’s important to see treatment right away if you suspect that you have celiac disease.
How is celiac disease treated?
While there is no cure for this autoimmune disorder the most effective gastroenterology treatment option is to maintain a strict gluten-free diet. Even those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity should also follow the same diet. This diet will allow the gut to heal, which will eliminate your symptoms and prevent future complications.
Your doctor may also recommend certain vitamins and supplements. After all, many people with celiac disease may also experience a deficiency in iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, B12, and vitamin D. It’s also possible to develop a vitamin B deficiency if your gluten-free diet isn’t providing you with sufficient vitamin B supplementation. In this case, your gastroenterologist may prescribe a dietary supplement that you should take every day.
If you are dealing with the symptoms of celiac disease in Las Vegas it’s important that you see your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Call Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions about gastroenterology.