Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects as many as one in 100 people worldwide. Since celiac disease can damage your intestinal tract and lead to malabsorption, the board-certified gastroenterologists of Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates in Douglaston, New York, offer comprehensive care for your personal needs. Learn how to manage your celiac disease and get started on treatment by booking an evaluation today. You can schedule either online or over the phone.
Celiac disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder and leads to an overreaction of your immune system when you consume gluten. This protein, found in wheat, rye, and barley, is generally harmless.
But when you have celiac disease — also called “celiac sprue” or “gluten sensitive enteropathy” — your immune system starts attacking the villi throughout the lining of your small intestine when you come into contact with gluten. Over time, your intestinal tract can become so damaged that nutrients aren’t absorbed as efficiently.
While the exact cause of celiac disease isn’t well understood, medical experts find that the following issues increase your risk:
In some cases, celiac disease develops after a surgical procedure or after pregnancy and childbirth.
Celiac disease leads to a wide variety of symptoms that vary from mild to severe, depending on the severity of your immune response. When you ingest, inhale, or even come into contact with gluten (in severe cases), you may experience any of the following symptoms:
In the most severe cases, celiac disease leads to mouth ulcers, joint pain, and spleen problems. Since celiac disease can seriously impact your health, it’s important to learn how to manage the condition. The team at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates can help.
Celiac disease is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. To confirm celiac disease and determine the severity of your intestinal damage, your dedicated physician could recommend an upper endoscopy to gather a tissue sample.
While no cure exists for celiac disease, the team at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates collaborates to help you learn how to change your diet and avoid gluten. The doctors may also recommend vitamin and mineral supplements if you’re at risk of malabsorption issues, like anemia.
You can expect comprehensive care for managing celiac disease at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates. Find out more by scheduling an exam online or over the phone today.