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Celiac Disease services offered in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
At JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC in Lower Manhattan, New York City, board-certified gastroenterologist Nancy Lau, MD, diagnoses and treats people struggling with celiac disease. She can help manage your condition and improve your sense of comfort. To learn more or schedule an evaluation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Celiac Disease Q&A
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to react negatively to a protein called gluten. The condition affects your small intestinal lining, causing inflammation in response to eating gluten found in certain foods like wheat, rye, triticale, and barley.
Frequent inflammation can damage your intestine, causing poor nutrient absorption and other complications.
Which symptoms can celiac disease cause?
Left untreated, celiac disease can cause the following symptoms in response to eating gluten:
- Poor nutrient absorption
- Malnutrition
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Depression
- Paleness
- Cold hands
- Indented nails
- Weight loss
- Itchy rash
Children with untreated celiac disease may experience poor growth or development because of their condition.
What are the risk factors for celiac disease?
Celiac disease is caused by gene variations (genetics). Risk factors include:
- Family history of celiac disease
- Being female
- Having other autoimmune diseases
- Chromosomal disorders (Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Turner syndrome, etc.)
Intestinal lining damage caused by celiac disease can lead to new food intolerances, poor digestion, liver disease, and a weakened immune system. Untreated celiac disease also increases your risk of small intestinal cancer.
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
Dr. Lau diagnoses celiac disease by discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, diet, medications, and medical history. She completes a physical exam, including an endoscopic exam with an intestinal biopsy if needed.
Dr. Lau may recommend food allergy testing and order blood tests. She checks for nutrient deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies.
How is celiac disease treated?
Treating celiac disease at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC consists of not eating gluten. Dr. Lau lets you know which foods to eat and those to avoid to eliminate symptoms and further intestinal damage.
You might take medications and nutritional supplements to correct any deficiencies.
Dr. Lau follows up with you routinely to ensure your treatment is effective, and she addresses any questions or concerns you may have.
Your symptoms should improve soon after making dietary changes, but it might take a few weeks to correct any nutrient deficiencies.
Schedule a celiac disease evaluation at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.