Celiac Disease Diagnosis

Making a celiac disease diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, a review of the person's symptoms, and blood tests. Based on the results of the blood tests, a biopsy of the small intestine may also be necessary when diagnosing celiac disease. The final step in making a celiac disease diagnosis often involves putting the patient on a gluten-free diet. Diagnosis of celiac disease can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

 

Celiac Disease Diagnosis: An Overview

In order to make a celiac disease diagnosis, the healthcare provider will typically begin by asking a number of questions (known as the medical history) and perform a physical exam looking for certain signs and symptoms of celiac disease. If he or she believes celiac disease is a possibility, the healthcare provider may also recommend certain tests or procedures. Finally, if the doctor suspects celiac disease, he or she will likely recommend a gluten-free diet.
 

Celiac Disease Diagnosis: The Medical History and Physical Exam

The healthcare provider will usually begin by asking a number of questions about subjects such as:
 
  • Current symptoms
  • Medical conditions
  • Current medications
  • A family history of any medical conditions, including celiac disease.
 
He or she will also perform a physical exam, looking for signs that may point to a diagnosis of celiac disease. During the exam, the doctor will look for things such as signs of malnutrition, weight loss, an unexplained rash, blood in the stool, and bone pain or tenderness.
 
(Celiac Disease Diagnosis Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD