Complete Guide to Celiac Disease Diagnosis: Signs, Tests, and Next Steps
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those who suspect they may have celiac disease, understanding the diagnosis process is the first step toward healing. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about celiac disease diagnosis, including the signs to watch for, the tests involved, and what to do once you’re diagnosed.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is not just a gluten intolerance—it’s an autoimmune disorder. When someone with celiac disease eats as small as a pinprick of gluten the immune system sees it as an outside invader and attacks it. While it attacks the gluten it damages the tiny hair like vili that line the intestines. The vili contain vital digestive enzymes that help us to break down our food and allow us to absorb it into our systems. When the vili are stripped from the intestines it can cause dangerous vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Inflammation from the attack on gluten can damage the one cell wall thick layer of gut lining leading to Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS). LGS can allow toxins into your blood stream that can lead to other autoimmune diseases, IBD/IBS, obesity, arthritis, and even asthma.
Healthy intestinal lining vs. an intestinal lining with damaged villi from Celiac disease which has caused Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Recognizing the Signs: Celiac Disease Symptoms
Celiac disease symptoms can vary widely between individuals, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:
Gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, constipation, pale foul smelling fatty stools, bloating, gas, and vomiting.
Weight loss
Difficulty losing weight.
Mental disorders: irritability, depression, and anxiety
Nutrient deficiencies: including iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency vitamin D deficiency, and calcium deficiency.
Bone or joint pain and/or arthritis
Osteoporosis
Peripheral neuropathy
Seizures and migraines
Infertility, multiple miscarriages, and missed menstrual periods.,
Fatigue
Cankor sores
Dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash)
Dental enamel defects
In Children: Failure to thrive, delayed growth, and irritability.
It’s important to note that some individuals may have silent celiac disease, where they experience little to no symptoms, but damage to the intestine still occurs.
Who Can Get Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is complicated. Many people have the celiac gene but the disease typically does not present itself until there is a stressor to the body. This could be from surgery, child birth, viral infections, or severe emotional stress. It’s not known what exactly activates it.
Celiac Testing: How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?
The process of celiac disease diagnosis involves several steps and tests. Here’s how it works:
1. Recognizing Symptoms
If you or your doctor suspect celiac disease based on symptoms or family history, the next step is testing.
2. Blood Tests
The first step in celiac testing is a blood test to check for specific antibodies. Common tests include:
tTG-IgA (Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies): The most commonly used test for celiac disease.
EMA (Endomysial Antibodies): Another highly specific test.
Total Serum IgA: To rule out IgA deficiency, which can affect test results.
It’s crucial to remain on a gluten-containing diet during testing for accurate results.
3. Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can identify the presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes, which are necessary for developing celiac disease. However, having these genes doesn’t confirm the disease—it only indicates susceptibility.
4. Endoscopy and Biopsy
If blood tests suggest celiac disease, your doctor may recommend an upper endoscopy. This procedure involves taking small tissue samples (biopsies) from your small intestine to check for damage to the villi (tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients).
Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease
It’s important to differentiate between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. While both conditions can cause discomfort after consuming gluten, they are distinct:
Celiac Disease: An autoimmune condition with intestinal damage and systemic effects.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): Causes similar symptoms but doesn’t involve an immune response or intestinal damage.
If you suspect gluten is causing issues, proper testing is essential to determine the root cause.
Next Steps After Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with celiac disease can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the beginning of your journey to better health. Here’s what to do next:
1.Transition to a Gluten-Free Diet
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. Be cautious of cross-contamination and hidden sources of gluten.
2. Work with a Nutritionist
A certified nutritionist specializing in celiac disease can help you plan balanced, nutrient-rich meals and avoid nutritional deficiencies.
3. Monitor Your Health
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential. They may recommend additional tests to check for healing and address any nutritional deficiencies.
4. Educate Yourself
Learn about gluten-free living, including reading food labels, finding safe restaurants, and advocating for your health.
Heal the Gut
A gluten free diet isn’t always enough to heal when first diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Healing LGS and the gut lining is paramount. Adding probiotics with fermented food or as a supplement, L-Glutamine, bone broth, removing food intolerances with an elimination diet, and digestive enzymes such as papain (found in papaya) can also be very beneficial.
Sleep
Sleep is vital to reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and regulating a healthy gut microbiome. Getting enough sleep every night, 7-8 hours, will help to heal the gut. We are learning that the microbiome of the gut regulates hormones and moods as well as helps digest the foods we eat.
Our bodies function on circadian rhythms and our immune system does as well. When that rhythm is disrupted our immune system can not function optimally, creating more instances of inflammation. Our bodies thrive on consistency so keeping to a sleep schedule can be very beneficial. Setting an alarm for bed and an alarm for waking can create a predictable pattern for our circadian rhythm to adhere to.
Reduce Stress
Along with sleep, reducing stress can also reduce inflammation. When we are under stress, our bodies release stress hormones, such as cortisol, that have negative effects on the microbiome population. Thus creating an environment for inflammation to occur that allows LGS to persist. Meditative practices like yoga and meditation are useful ways to help relax and repair the gut lining. There are plenty of online courses, apps, and local venues to help build a strong yoga or meditation practice. 10 minutes a day can greatly reduce stress throughout the week.
Yoga, journaling, walking, and meditation are great ways to reduce stress.
Supplement Suggestions
These are suggestions for healing. Please check with your doctor before starting any supplements.
Multi-vitamin
Zinc
Vitamin D
Fish oil
Probiotics
L-Glutamine
Digestive Enzymes
Living Well with Celiac Disease
A celiac disease diagnosis can be life-changing, but with the right support and resources, you can thrive on a gluten-free lifestyle. Remember, you’re not alone—there’s a growing community of individuals navigating this journey with you.
Conclusion
Understanding the process of celiac disease diagnosis, from recognizing symptoms to undergoing tests, is crucial for taking control of your health. If you suspect you or a loved one may have celiac disease, consult your doctor and begin the path to healing. With the right steps and support, living a healthy, gluten-free life is entirely achievable.
FAQs
Q: Can I get tested for celiac disease if I’m already on a gluten-free diet?
A: It’s best to undergo testing while consuming gluten. If you’ve already eliminated gluten, your doctor may recommend a gluten challenge before testing.
Q: Are at-home celiac tests reliable?
A: At-home tests can be a starting point, but a formal diagnosis should always be confirmed by a healthcare professional.
Q: Can celiac disease develop later in life?
A: Yes, celiac disease can develop at any age, even if you’ve previously tolerated gluten.