Top Celiac Disease Specialist Doctor NYC (Top NYC GI Doctor)
Celiac disease is a medical condition diagnosed by the NYC gastroenterologist that damages the lining of your small intestine. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten — a protein found in wheat, oats, rye and barley — triggers an immune response that irritates your small intestine . Over time, the irritation causes inflammation. As a result, your body can’t absorb certain nutrients that you need, such as iron, calcium, fat and folate (vitamin B).
If left untreated, celiac disease can cause bloating, weight loss and diarrhea. It can lead to malnourishment of your brain, nervous system, skeleton and vital organs. Many of those affected by celiac disease don’t even know it. Often, they attribute the symptoms to other causes. Sometimes, their doctors don’t consider celiac disease. Our doctors, top NYC GI doctors, are trained gastroenterologists; they consider every possibility when weighing the evidence. If celiac disease is suspected, you should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan and to exclude a serious illness or condition.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease affects people differently. Although the most common symptoms are unexplained weight loss and diarrhea, other symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Anemia (from iron deficiency)
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Itchy skin rashes
- Joint pain
- Numbness in your extremities
- Pale stools
- Seizures
- Thinning bone density
- Tooth decay
Causes of Celiac Disease
No one knows what causes celiac disease, including gastroenterologists. It may be partially genetic, but that doesn’t make a definitive case. Most sufferers are Caucasian, but the disease may lay dormant for years before being triggered by pregnancy, surgery, viral infection, stress or other factors.
When the disease is active, your immune system somehow uses the gluten to attack the lining of your small intestine. This action damages the villi or hairs on the inside of your small intestine. They flatten or dissolve, making it harder, if not impossible to absorb the nutrients from the food you eat.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease on the Upper East Side in NYC
Because the symptoms of celiac disease can resemble the symptoms of other conditions, like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowl syndrome, our doctors will give you a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. They’ll likely order a blood test as well, especially once he suspects celiac disease. Other tests may be needed to confirm the disease, including an upper endoscopy and a biopsy of your small intestine.
Treating Celiac Disease
Since celiac disease has no cure, the only effective treatment is to practice a strict gluten-free diet. Eliminating all forms of gluten from your diet can help manage your symptoms and promote healing in your small intestine. Even trace amounts of gluten or an occasional “indulging” can cause damage. “Gluten-free” means to be entirely off of it.
In addition to changing your diet, our doctors may recommend that you take supplements for calcium, folate, iron and zinc, as well as vitamins B, D and K. Medications are often unnecessary, unless the damage to your small intestine warrants it.
Please follow this link to learn more about Celiac Disease: Celiac Disease Specialist Doctor NYC
Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult a GI doctor about your specific condition. Only trained, experienced gastroenterologists like our doctors can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
As best in class NYC gastroenterologists, our doctors provide highly personalized and comprehensive care. Their philosophies regarding the doctor/patient relationship is based on trust and has earned them some of the most respected reputations in NYC.
For more information about the celiac disease or to schedule a consultation with one of our GI doctors, please contact our Midtown or Upper East Side NYC offices.
