I’ve dedicated this blog post to illuminating the facts, symptoms and differences of Celiac Disease (CD) and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS).  Although awareness of the terms “gluten” and “gluten free diet” have never been higher,understanding of these two separate conditions is generally misunderstood…

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?

Celiac Disease (CD) is a common, yet potentially life threatening, disorder which can easily be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.  Three million Americans are living with Celiac Disease, but only 17% of Americans realize they have it!  Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an abnormal response to glutens—proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune system’s reaction to dietary gluten causes inflammation of the intestinal lining. Over time, the tiny fingerlike protrusions (villi) that line the intestinal wall are damaged and flattened. They no longer absorb food nutrients effectively and as a result, Celiac Disease can cause serious malabsorption issues.

Some people experience few or no symptoms in the early stages of CD. However, the disease can eventually cause serious health problems including liver damage and osteoporosis. Left untreated Celiac Disease can also lead to the development of other conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes, Thyroid Disease, Coronary Heart Disease, Lymphoma and Intestinal Cancers.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.

If you are an adult with Celiac Disease, you might suffer from many of the hundreds of symptoms that have been linked to CD. Here are some of the most common warning signs:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Heartburn
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Anemia from iron deficiency
  • Tingling or numb extremities from calcium deficiency
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles or infertility
  • Mood disorders including depression and anxiety
  • Oral ulcers
  • Bone and joint pain
  • Arthritis

CELIAC DIAGNOSING AND TREATMENT.

Generally, we draw a Celiac Blood Panel as a first step and then, as CD is a genetic disorder, we can also do a genetic screening to determine if you are at risk. If you have one of the two genes that are linked to CD, you might have the disease. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of Celiac Disease and determine the extent of the damage is to perform an intestinal biopsy by way of an Upper Endoscopy. This is a simple outpatient procedure.  If biopsies and blood testing are both normal, your symptoms are being caused by another disorder such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or chronic fatigue.

As screening for active CD is done with blood tests that detect immune antibodies for gluten, you must not have already reduced or eliminated gluten from your diet or you could have false negative results.

To find out what the next steps are for diagnosing and treating CD, please click here:  Celiac Disease.

NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY.

Celiac Disease is often confused with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, a less well-defined disorder that causes intestinal symptoms after consumption of foods that contain gluten. However, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity does not cause long-term intestinal damage and can occur in patients that do not have the genes for CD.

The signs and symptoms of NCGS may be the same as those for CD, but there is currently no definitive test for Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance.  That said,  we can rule out CD with a Celiac Blood Panel.  Diagnosis for NCGS is made by eliminating all other possibilities and experimenting with a gluten-free diet.  If eating gluten free foods reverses your symptoms, you will be able to enjoy your life better!

To find out what the next steps are for diagnosing and treating NCGS, please click here:  Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.

 

When it comes to your gastrointestinal health, with Peyton P. Berookim, MD, FACG at Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, you can be certain you are receiving the most cutting edge treatment and heartfelt care . Please call our office at 310.271.1122 or,  for your convenience,  Request an Appointment online with Dr. Berookim.