Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten-a protein in wheat, barley, and rye-triggers your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine. Over time, this damage flattens the tiny, nutrient-absorbing villi and leads to deficiencies in iron, calcium, and other vital nutrients.
Symptoms can vary widely and may appear at any age. Some people have immediate digestive issues, while others develop subtle or extra-intestinal signs. You might notice:
The precise triggers of celiac disease are not fully understood, but several factors increase your risk:
Don't let celiac disease keep you from living your best life. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our specialists provide thorough testing, personalized gluten-free meal plans, and ongoing follow-up to ensure you feel better fast-and stay better long term. Reach out now to schedule your visit and take the first step toward lasting relief.
We've successfully treated more than 288 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A celiac disease panel is a series of blood tests that measure specific antibodies, genetic markers, and indicators of intestinal damage to help diagnose celiac disease.
Children with celiac disease often experience abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bloating, poor growth or weight gain, fatigue, and irritability.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own intestine when gluten is eaten; a gluten allergy (or wheat allergy) is an immediate allergic reaction mediated by histamines and other immune chemicals.
Home testing kits can screen for antibodies associated with celiac disease, but any positive or unclear result must be confirmed with formal laboratory blood tests and possibly an intestinal biopsy.
Yes. Celiac disease causes your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine whenever gluten is ingested.
Signs include anemia, chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, slowed growth or failure to thrive, lethargy, and behavioral changes such as increased irritability.
Yes. Although often diagnosed in childhood, celiac disease can appear at any age, sometimes triggered by stress, infection, surgery, or hormonal changes.
The most common blood tests include tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG-IgA), endomysial antibody (EMA), and total IgA levels to ensure accurate interpretation.
After starting a strict gluten-free diet and allowing the gut to heal, improved nutrient absorption can lead to healthy weight gain in some patients.
When untreated, celiac disease may lead to severe complications like malnutrition, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of certain intestinal cancers, so early diagnosis and dietary management are crucial.
