Celiac Disease

Woman avoiding bread

Celiac Disease Treatment in Aurora, CO

We Are Your Local Celiac Disease Experts

If you notice an unwelcome reaction or immune response after eating, you may be one of the many people who suffers from celiac disease. Roughly one in every 100 individuals has the condition. The team of medical professionals at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates has the expertise to diagnose and treat the disorder in Denver, CO. We have 15 offices throughout the Rocky Mountain region to serve you. Our physician-owned practice is dedicated to delivering high-quality medical care and ensuring our patients’ comfort whenever they visit. We are the largest gastrointestinal practice in the area. Please call us today to learn how we can help you.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes white blood cells to attack the lining of the small intestine after sufferers consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The condition is also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Over time, the condition can cause significant damage to the small intestine’s inner lining and prevent it from absorbing nutrients. When this occurs in children, it can affect growth and development. Though there is no cure for celiac disease, Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates can help you recognize the symptoms, diagnose the condition, and recommend ways to treat it.

Recognizing the Signs of Celiac Disease

The most common symptoms of celiac disease are related to the digestive system. If you have the condition, you may notice issues after eating certain foods. Among the signs of celiac disease in adults are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss

Children may experience some or all of the same symptoms as adults, but they are also prone to other problems. If you suspect your son or daughter has celiac disease, be wary of vomiting or pale stools.

In addition to the symptoms related to the digestive system, celiac disease can manifest itself in other ways. Signs of celiac disease also include:

  • Anemia
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of bone density
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Nervous system injury
  • Reduced spleen function
  • Skin rash

Understanding Celiac Disease’s Causes

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, but it is typically linked to genetic factors and eating foods that contain gluten. Gastrointestinal factors and gut bacteria may also contribute. Celiac disease tends to be common among individuals who have:

  • A family history of the condition
  • Addison’s disease
  • Autoimmune thyroid disease
  • Down syndrome
  • Microscopic colitis
  • Type 1 diabetes

Our Team Will Accurately Diagnose Your Condition

We can diagnose celiac disease at any of our 15 state-of-the-art offices in Colorado. Our physicians will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. Next, we will perform a blood test to detect the presence of anti-endomysium (EMA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTGA) antibodies. High levels typically indicate celiac disease. We may also perform genetic testing for human leukocyte antigens, which would rule out the disorder. Finally, you may be subject to a biopsy or endoscopy to confirm the findings.

Trust Us for Celiac Disease Treatment

The only way to manage your celiac disease is to remove gluten from your diet permanently. Foods containing gluten include bread, pasta, crackers, processed meats, and more. Our doctors and dietitians can help you understand what foods to avoid so that you do not trigger an autoimmune response. After making the necessary dietary adjustments, you should experience relief from the disease’s symptoms quickly. We may recommend vitamins and nutritional supplements to help you maintain your health. Over time, your small intestine will begin to heal. In children, this process usually takes three to six months. It can last years for adults.

Contact Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates Today

If the foods you eat are causing your body to react negatively, seek help from Colorado’s leading gastroenterologists. The professionals at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates have extensive experience treating celiac disease at our locations in Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, and beyond. Contact us today to request an appointment.

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