Raising Awareness: Facts You Should Know About Celiac Disease
5/5/2023
Do you experience GI (gastrointestinal) problems after consuming items containing gluten? GI symptoms that occur after eating gluten, like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and more can be indicators of celiac disease. An autoimmune condition, celiac disease triggers an abnormal immune response to the protein in grains known as gluten. This immune response occurs when gluten is consumed, leading to uncomfortable GI symptoms. While there is presently no method for curing celiac disease, the gastrointestinal doctors at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC in Hattiesburg, MS can diagnose and address celiac disease symptoms.
In what ways does celiac disease affect the body?
Individuals with celiac disease are encouraged to obtain a diagnosis and medical treatment from a digestive health specialist. Celiac disease might cause harm to the body when it is not diagnosed or treated. Celiac disease could produce a chronic impact on the small bowel, where most vitamins and other nutrients are taken up by the body. When gluten is take up in the small bowel, it stimulates the immune system to react. The body then releases a host of antibodies to defend against it. Such antibodies could damage the lining of your small intestine, which can impact your body’s ability to gain nourishment from food items.
Additional possible long-term effects of celiac disease involve:
- Compromised immune system
- Ulcers or scarring in the gastrointestinal tract
- Liver disease
- Increased risk of intestinal cancer
- Development of new food intolerances
What are the available treatments for celiac disease?
Generally, the ideal method of addressing celiac disease is to remove gluten from your diet. Once you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, you can put a stop to additional symptoms by not eating gluten. With time, the lining in your intestine will start to heal and start to receive nutrients. Since there is no known cure for this disease, individuals may have to hold to a gluten-free diet for life in order to reduce chances of damaging their small intestine. Other treatments that might be helpful are:
- Doctor-suggested nutritional supplements
- Prescribed medication
- Corticosteroids
- Routine follow-up care
If you need celiac disease treatment in Hattiesburg, MS, the gastrointestinal doctors at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC can help. Even though main form of treatment for is a gluten-free diet, it is very important to be diagnosed with celiac disease before you cut out gluten entirely to verify if it even has an impact on your body.
Celiac disease vs. gluten intolerance: How do they compare?
To many, celiac disease and gluten intolerance can seem similar. Both cause disagreeable gastrointestinal symptoms after eating gluten. The similarities end there, though. As mentioned above, celiac disease causes an abnormal response in the body that may negatively affect the digestive tract over time. While gluten intolerance is uncomfortable, it does not create long-term damage to the GI tract. Gluten intolerance can most often be treated by supplementing digestive enzymes that are known to minimize symptoms. Celiac disease symptoms and gluten intolerance symptoms are close to the same; therefore, if you have symptoms, you should be assessed by a GI specialist to figure out which gastro condition you are suffering from.
Get care for celiac disease in Hattiesburg, MS
The team at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC is passionate about elevating celiac disease awareness. One in every 133 people becomes diagnosed with celiac disease. Celiac disease can change how you live your life, typically for the better. After removing gluten, your body can start to heal from the damage caused by eating gluten. While your body heals, your risk of developing one or more of the above long-term effects diminishes. To request a consultation, contact a Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC location. You can relax in the hands of our gastrointestinal specialists in Hattiesburg, MS; we are here to help you address your GI wellness.