If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.
If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.
Gastroenterology Condition
Celiac Disease is a complex autoimmune digestive disorder that significantly impacts the lives of those diagnosed with it. At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, understanding and effectively managing this condition is a top priority. Our team of gastroenterology specialists, bolstered by their board certifications and specialized training, is committed to providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with Celiac Disease.
1 in 141 Caucasians are diagnosed each year.
Celiac rarely affects people with Chinese, Japanese, or African ancestry.
This condition, which primarily affects the small intestine, is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person with Celiac Disease consumes gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the villi of the small intestine. These villi are crucial for nutrient absorption, and their impairment can lead to a host of complications, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to more severe health issues like osteoporosis, infertility, and neurological conditions.
If left untreated, people can develop further complications such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, and cancer. Villi, minuscule finger-like projections, get worn down or blunted and become ineffective in absorbing nutrients. A lack of certain nutrients can have detrimental effects; for example, a lack of iron can result in anemia or a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis or even neurological dysfunction.
It is estimated that 83% of Americans who have Celiac Disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.
Outward symptoms of someone with Celiac may include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Upset Stomach
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Constipation
- And More
The disease can be asymptomatic as well. The symptoms can also overlap with or mimic other conditions such as being lactose intolerant or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Genetically, up to 40% of Caucasians have one or both of the genes that are associated with Celiac Disease.
It is possible that if one person in the family has Celiac Disease, then there will be other relatives that have it too. Other family members may also have another autoimmune disorder such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes, Lupus, or a thyroid condition. Genetically, up to 40% of Caucasians have one or both of the genes that are associated with Celiac Disease. Being a carrier, however, does not always mean you will have the disease.
Testing for Celiac Disease can be done with blood tests or with an upper endoscopy. The blood test involves measuring antibodies and the immune response to gluten. These tests have a track record of being over 95% accurate. You may even require a skin test if you are experience skin-related symptoms. If tests results are positive, an upper endoscopy procedure will follow to secure a small biopsy of the villi in the small intestines to confirm the diagnosis and the extent of damage and severity of the disease. An accurate diagnosis is very important – as patients will be changing their eating habits for the rest of their lives.
An accurate diagnosis provides the necessary information to appropriately treat the patient’s symptoms, improve their nutritional deficiencies and eliminate allergens from their diet, bringing relief to their entire system.
At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, we leverage the latest diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose Celiac Disease. Our approach involves a combination of serological tests to detect specific antibodies and an endoscopic biopsy to observe any damage to the small intestine’s lining. Recognizing that each patient’s journey with Celiac Disease is unique, we tailor our treatment plans to suit individual needs.
Changing your diet is the first step to bringing celiac symptoms under control.
When diagnosed, Dr. Schmidt is quick to reassure his patients that living a gluten-free lifestyle is not nearly as tricky as it used to be. Now, grocery stores and restaurant menus abound with gluten-free options. Plus, plenty of naturally occurring gluten-free foods offer healthy options, such as vegetables, fruits, and meats.
Changing diet is the first step to bringing celiac symptoms under control. Your gastroenterologist and a dietitian will help you develop a gluten-free diet plan to suit your lifestyle. Your GI specialist will address any nutritional deficiencies to bring you back to better health. Supplements and medications may be required to bring a patient’s blood and nutrient levels back into balance to appropriately support healthy bones, brain function, skin and overall health.
Management of Celiac Disease primarily involves a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Our gastroenterology specialists work closely with patients to help them navigate this dietary change, understanding the challenges it may bring. We provide resources, support, and guidance to ensure our patients can make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. Alongside dietary management, we monitor our patients’ health to address any deficiencies or complications that may arise due to the disease.
Eating a gluten-free diet is easier than ever before. Improved labeling and a multitude of gluten-free food options help you navigate the grocery store and restaurants with confidence. Vigilant management of your diet will help you stay well and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms. Your Granite Peaks Gastroenterology specialist will work with you to address the challenges of celiac disease and provide treatment to get you back to your best health.
Beyond the physical aspects of Celiac Disease, we acknowledge the emotional and psychological impact of living with a chronic condition. At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, our team offers support and resources to help patients cope with these challenges, aiming to improve not only their physical health but also their overall quality of life.
Granite Peaks Gastroenterology serves the communities along the Wasatch Front. Our Board Certified Doctors and Certified PA GI Specialists include:
Certified Gastroenterology Locations
Our Services
Resources
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