Celiac Disease Specialist

Unexplained Health Issues? Consider Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease may affect less than 1% of the population, but many individuals may be unaware of their condition. Untreated celiac disease can lead to serious health complications, including malabsorption and malnutrition. Don’t underestimate the importance of proper diagnosis and management. Seek the expertise of the experienced gastroenterologists at Capitol Gastro.

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Capitol Gastro’s gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and management of celiac disease. With offices in Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs, Texas, our team is dedicated to providing the care you need to reduce your risk of complications.

Take control of your health by calling the office nearest you today to schedule an appointment.

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512-593-6022

Celiac Disease Q & A

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages your digestive tract. The immune reaction is triggered when you consume foods that contain gluten, which is a protein found in foods made with the grains wheat, rye, or barley.

Doctors aren’t certain what causes you to develop celiac disease, but theorize that your genetics and environmental factors may trigger the chronic condition. Due to the damage caused by your immune system to your intestinal tract, celiac disease can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition if not properly managed, which can lead to other health issues such as brittle bones and infertility.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Symptoms of celiac disease vary, which can make it a difficult disease to diagnose, especially in adults. Common symptoms of celiac disease include:

  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating and gas
  • Joint pain
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Headaches

You may also develop an itchy and blistering skin reaction, referred to as dermatitis herpetiformis, with celiac disease.

If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort for more than two weeks, you should schedule an appointment with the experts at Capitol Gastro so they can conduct an evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Your specialist at Capitol Gastro conducts a comprehensive examination when you come in with complaints of abdominal discomfort. To determine if your symptoms are due to celiac disease your specialist may recommend blood tests, such as:

  • Serology testing: antibody test that indicates an immune reaction to gluten
  • Genetic testing: to rule out celiac disease

If your blood tests indicate that you have celiac disease, your specialist may recommend an endoscopy and biopsy of your small intestine to evaluate the health of your digestive system.

How is celiac disease treated?

To prevent further damage to your digestive tract, treatment for your celiac disease centers on the complete omission of gluten from your diet. Your specialist at Capitol Gastro can help you get started on your gluten-free diet plan. Your specialist may also prescribe nutrition supplements if you’re experiencing nutrient deficiencies from digestive tract damage and malabsorption.

Celiac disease is more common than once thought and may go undiagnosed due to the variations in symptom presentation. For an examination to determine the underlying cause of your abdominal discomfort, call Capitol Gastro today