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Conditions · Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease Diagnosis & Treatment in Denton, TX
Accurate testing, a clear diagnosis and practical guidance for living well gluten-free, from experienced gastroenterologist Dr. Amjad Awan.
Understanding Celiac Disease
An Autoimmune Reaction to Gluten
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, causes the immune system to damage the lining of the small intestine. Over time this damage can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients.
Celiac disease affects about 1 in 100 people, and many are undiagnosed for years because symptoms vary so widely.
- Blood testing and upper endoscopy with biopsy
- Screening for anemia, vitamin deficiencies and bone loss
- Guidance on starting a strict gluten-free diet
- Follow-up testing to confirm healing
Signs & Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can affect the digestive system and the whole body. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Diarrhea
Chronic loose stools or frequent bowel movements.
Bloating & Gas
Uncomfortable fullness and gas after meals.
Fatigue
Low energy, often linked to iron-deficiency anemia.
Weight Loss
Unintended weight loss from poor absorption.
Skin Rash
An itchy, blistering rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.
Bone Loss
Early osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How We Diagnose and Treat Celiac Disease
Keep eating gluten until testing is complete. Starting a gluten-free diet too early can cause false results.
Blood Test
A tTG-IgA blood test, often with a total IgA level, screens for celiac disease.
Upper Endoscopy
Small biopsies from the duodenum confirm the diagnosis.
Gluten-Free Plan
You start a strict gluten-free diet, with nutrition and vitamin support as needed.
Follow-Up
Repeat blood tests and visits confirm healing and catch complications early.
Celiac Care in Denton
Living Well with Celiac Disease
The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet. With the right guidance, most people feel much better within weeks and the intestine heals over months.
Who Should Be Tested?
Testing is recommended for people with ongoing digestive symptoms, unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, early bone loss, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, or a parent, sibling or child with celiac disease.
When Symptoms Continue
If symptoms persist on a gluten-free diet, hidden gluten exposure is the most common cause. Dr. Awan can also evaluate other conditions such as microscopic colitis, lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Related Reading
Learn more in our article Celiac Disease: Signs, Testing and Living Gluten-Free.
FAQ
Celiac Disease FAQs
Is celiac disease the same as gluten sensitivity?
No. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity can cause symptoms without that damage.
Can adults develop celiac disease?
Yes. Celiac disease can be diagnosed at any age.
Do I need an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease?
In most adults, an upper endoscopy with biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis after a positive blood test.
Is celiac disease hereditary?
It runs in families. Close relatives of someone with celiac disease have a higher risk and may benefit from testing.
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Get Tested for Celiac Disease in Denton
Talk with an experienced gastroenterologist about testing and treatment. Call our office today.