Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your body reacts to gluten-a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing damage and impairing nutrient absorption. This condition can develop in both children and adults, but with early diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet, most people see significant improvement.
Symptoms of celiac disease vary from person to person. Some people have severe discomfort, while others experience only mild issues. Look out for:
The exact trigger for celiac disease isn't fully understood, but several factors increase your risk:
Do you have stomach issues, low energy, or trouble gaining weight? You could have celiac disease. At GastroDoxs, our team is here to provide answers, expert testing, and personalized treatment plans. Book your appointment in Houston today and start feeling better.
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Diagnosis typically begins with blood tests for celiac-specific antibodies (such as tTG-IgA). If results are positive, an endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine confirms the diagnosis by showing characteristic intestinal damage.
The official ICD-10 code for celiac disease is K90.0. This code is used for medical records, billing, and insurance purposes.
No. An online "Do I Have Celiac?" quiz can help you recognize potential symptoms, but it cannot replace blood tests and a biopsy, which are required for a definitive diagnosis.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Gluten intolerance (or sensitivity) may cause similar symptoms but does not lead to intestinal damage.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms after gluten ingestion but does not trigger the autoimmune response or intestinal injury seen in celiac disease.
Yes. Children with celiac disease may experience abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, poor weight gain, delayed growth or puberty, irritability, and fatigue.
No. To obtain accurate blood test and biopsy results, you must consume gluten for 6-8 weeks before testing. Removing gluten prematurely can lead to false-negative results.
Example: "My doctor told me I have celiac disease, so I need to follow a strict gluten-free diet to heal my small intestine."
Daily self-care includes reading food labels carefully, keeping a food and symptom journal, maintaining regular follow-up appointments, and working with a dietitian to ensure balanced, gluten-free nutrition.
You should consult a gastroenterologist if you have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, constipation), unexplained anemia or weight changes, or a family history of celiac disease to get proper evaluation and care.
