Celiac Disease Clinic in Katy, TX

What is a celiac disease panel?

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.

What are common symptoms of celiac disease in children?

Children with celiac disease often experience abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bloating, poor growth or weight gain, fatigue, and irritability.

How is celiac disease different from a gluten allergy?

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.

Can you test for celiac disease at home?

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.

Is celiac disease an autoimmune disorder?

Yes. Celiac disease causes your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine whenever gluten is ingested.

What are signs of celiac disease in kids?

Signs include anemia, chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, slowed growth or failure to thrive, lethargy, and behavioral changes such as increased irritability.

Can you develop celiac disease later in life?

Yes. Although often diagnosed in childhood, celiac disease can appear at any age, sometimes triggered by stress, infection, surgery, or hormonal changes.

Which blood tests are used to diagnose celiac disease?

The most common blood tests include tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG-IgA), endomysial antibody (EMA), and total IgA levels to ensure accurate interpretation.

Can celiac disease cause weight gain?

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.

Can celiac disease be life-threatening?

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.