Affiliates in Gastroenterology

Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is an allergy to gliadin, a protein component of gluten, which is found in wheat and other grains. It was originally thought to be a relatively rare disease, primarily of childhood, and in adults presenting with severe diarrhea, weight loss and malnutrition. We now know it to be far more common than previously thought, and is present in 1.3 and 3 million Americans. The symptoms also are not necessarily as obvious as once thought. Although diarrhea is still the most common symptom, patients may present with iron deficiency anemia, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or abnormal liver function tests. Celiac disease can be diagnosed with a screening blood test, but biopsy of the small intestine (a simple out-patient procedure) is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. A trial of a Gluten-free diet is not recommended before a firm diagnosis is made, as that diet is very restrictive and expensive, and the response may be subjective. Only when the diagnosis is sure should patients be placed on this difficult diet.

 

 

 

West Orange Office Morristown Offices
Zalman R. Schrader, MD
William C. Sloan, MD
Robert W. Schuman, MD
Matthew P. Askin, MD
Lawrence S. Rosenthal, MD
Lawrence B. Stein, M.D. Michael Samach, MD
Carl B. Wallach, MD
Ellen J. Rosen, MD
John D. Morton, MD
101 Old Short Hills Road #217
West Orange, NJ 07052-1023
973-731-4600
Fax 973-731-1477
101 Madison Avenue #102
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-410-0960
Fax 973-455-1671
101 Madison Avenue #100
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-455-0404
Fax 973-540-8788

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