Roughly three million Americans suffer from celiac disease, a condition that affects the body’s ability to process gluten, and nearly 18 million Americans suffer from gluten intolerance. Bharat Sanghavi, MD and Moushumi Sanghavi, MD, at Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park in New York City, can get to the bottom of your allergy and provide treatment to alleviate your symptoms and prevents future reactions. To learn more, call or schedule a consultation online.
Celiac disease is a medical condition that causes an immune response in your intestine to gluten, which is found in certain grains, such as rye and wheat. Prolonged exposure to gluten can damage the small intestine for those who have celiac disease.
Gluten intolerance is very similar to celiac disease but is less severe. Individuals suffering from gluten intolerance won’t experience the intestinal damage associated with celiac disease.
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance share a number of symptoms, including fatigue, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. However, more than half of adults with celiac disease also suffer from the following:
If you experience one or several of these symptoms over several weeks with no relief, you should seek a diagnosis at Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park right away.
Currently, the only way to treat celiac disease and gluten intolerance is to consume a diet that avoids gluten. Your doctor will work with you to create a gluten-free dietary plan. Gluten is found in many foods, so you might consider keeping a food journal to keep track of when you experience symptoms and what foods might have accidentally set them off.
Your provider may also prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to help fill in any nutritional gaps in your new gluten-free diet.
If you’re experiencing gluten intolerance or celiac disease, get relief by calling or booking an appointment online with Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park today.
