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Celiac Disease Specialist

Hal N Buch, MD Our Services Celiac Disease

Hal N Buch, MD

Gastroenterology located in Kingston, NY

Affecting about 1 in every 100 people, celiac disease is a common health condition that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is eaten. If you have symptoms of celiac disease, Marisa Flanagan, FNP-BC, and board-certified gastroenterologist Hal N Buch, MD, test for it and monitor you to avoid serious health complications at their Kingston, New York, office. Call to learn more or book online today.

Celiac Disease Q & A

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an immune disease that causes a reaction after eating gluten, a protein found in rye, barley, wheat, and food products containing these grains as ingredients. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten causes damage to the lining of your small intestine over time, which leads to malabsorption and other health complications.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Intestinal damage due to celiac disease can cause the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea or bloating
  • Headaches and fatigue
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Irritability or depression
  • Osteoporosis
  • Skin rash
  • Mouth ulcers or dental damage
  • Acid reflux and heartburn

Over time, intestinal damage can lead to more serious complications – such as nervous system damage, cognitive impairment, and reduced spleen function. In children, poor nutrient absorption due to celiac disease can negatively impact growth and development.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Marisa or Dr. Buch let you know if you have celiac disease by examining results from blood tests and possibly completing a biopsy during an endoscopy. Your provider pursues the least invasive options first and uses cutting-edge technology during diagnostic procedures.

What is the treatment for celiac disease?

There is no cure for celiac disease, but following a gluten-free diet promotes intestinal healing and helps you manage symptoms associated with the disease to prevent complications. Avoid common sources of gluten in the diet, such as:

  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Bulgur
  • Farina
  • Durum
  • Graham flour
  • Semolina
  • Malt
  • Triticale
  • Spelt

Your provider helps you plan a gluten-free diet, and lets you know about hidden sources of gluten – such as vitamins, other dietary supplements, certain medications, modified food starch, food stabilizers, certain preservatives, toothpaste, lip balm, and some skin and hair products.

Dr. Buch or Marisa re-tests you as needed and monitors you regularly to minimize intestinal damage and properly manage celiac disease.

Can I prevent celiac disease?

Because celiac disease is genetic, there isn’t a way to prevent it. But determining if you have the disease and managing it with a gluten-free diet means you can enjoy a fulfilling, healthy life free from unpleasant symptoms.

When you’re ready to get tested for celiac disease or seek medical help to properly manage the disease, call Dr. Buch’s office or schedule an appointment online today.