Title: Celiac Disease - Digestive Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version
Headings: Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease
(Gluten Enteropathy)
Overview of Celiac Disease
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Causes of Celiac Disease
The Small Intestine
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Adults
Dermatitis Herpetiformis on the Elbows
Children
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Lab Test
Celiac Disease Antibody Tests
Prognosis of Celiac Disease
Treatment of Celiac Disease
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
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Content: Low protein levels in the blood can lead to fluid retention and tissue swelling (edema). Malabsorption of vitamin B12 can lead to nerve damage, causing a pins-and-needles sensation in the arms and legs. Poor calcium absorption results in abnormal bone growth, a higher risk of broken bones, and painful bones and joints. Lack of calcium can also cause tooth discoloration and greater susceptibility to painful tooth decay. Girls with celiac disease may not have menstrual periods because of a low production of hormones, such as estrogen. Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Levels of antibodies
Biopsy
Tests for certain vitamin deficiencies
Doctors suspect the diagnosis of celiac disease when a person has the previously mentioned symptoms. Measurement of the level of specific antibodies produced when a person with celiac disease consumes gluten is a helpful test. Lab Test
Celiac Disease Antibody Tests
To help confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease, doctors remove a sample of tissue from the person's lining of the small intestine and examine it under a microscope (biopsy). The diagnosis is confirmed if the biopsy shows the intestinal villi are flattened and if the lining of the small intestine subsequently improves after the person stops eating foods containing gluten. A blood test that determines whether people have certain genes may be done because people without those genes are very unlikely to have celiac disease.