Diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition in which eating gluten leads to damage to the lining of the small intestine. As a result, the body has difficulty properly absorbing nutrients, vitamins and microelements. Although for many years celiac disease was associated mainly with childhood, it is now known that it can be diagnosed at any age. If you notice chronic gastrointestinal complaints or unexplained health problems, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw and to OpenMed in Płock. Our specialists diagnose and treat celiac disease in adults and children.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease has a genetic basis. The body's contact with gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley and rye among others, triggers an abnormal reaction of the immune system. The resulting inflammation leads to atrophy of the intestinal villi responsible for absorbing nutrients. Untreated celiac disease can result in nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, fertility disorders and other systemic complications.

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Symptoms of celiac disease

The symptoms of celiac disease can be very varied and are not always limited to the digestive tract. In some patients intestinal complaints dominate, while in others the first symptoms concern entirely different body systems. It is precisely this variety of symptoms that means the diagnosis is sometimes delayed.

The most common are chronic abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, a feeling of fullness after meals and weight loss. Celiac disease can also cause chronic fatigue, anaemia, recurrent mouth ulcers, headaches, concentration problems or skin problems. In children, growth disorders and nutritional deficiencies are often observed.

When is it worth doing celiac disease diagnostics?

Diagnosis of celiac disease is indicated not only in people with typical digestive symptoms. Our doctors at OpenMed may recommend tests also when there are unexplained iron deficiencies, chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases or a family history that increases the risk.

It is worth remembering that before completing the diagnosis you should not eliminate gluten from your diet on your own. Introducing a gluten-free diet before the tests are done may make it harder to reach a correct diagnosis.

What does celiac disease diagnosis look like at OpenMed?

The diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical consultation. Our specialists analyse the reported symptoms, medical history and the results of tests done so far. Appropriate laboratory tests are then ordered, primarily the determination of antibodies characteristic of celiac disease.

Depending on the results, the doctor may recommend further diagnostics, including genetic tests or gastroscopy with the collection of samples from the lining of the small intestine. This is currently one of the most important tests confirming the diagnosis. Thanks to a comprehensive approach it is possible not only to detect celiac disease, but also to assess its degree of advancement and any consequences of deficiencies.

Treatment of celiac disease

The basis of treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. There is currently no pharmacological treatment that can eliminate the disease. Eliminating gluten, however, leads to the calming of inflammation and the gradual regeneration of the lining of the small intestine.

Our specialists help patients understand the principles of a gluten-free diet and monitor the effects of treatment. Regular check-ups make it possible to assess the resolution of symptoms, the correction of deficiencies and the effectiveness of the diet. If necessary, the doctor may recommend supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Long-term care in celiac disease

Celiac disease is a chronic condition, so it requires regular medical follow-up. Even with a properly followed diet, it is worth periodically assessing your state of health, the level of selected vitamins and microelements and the effectiveness of treatment. At OpenMed we provide comprehensive care for patients with celiac disease, helping them function safely on a gluten-free diet and reduce the risk of complications.

Diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease - FAQ

: Most often these are tests for antibodies characteristic of celiac disease and, if indicated, gastroscopy with the collection of small intestine samples.
: No. Eliminating gluten before the diagnosis is complete may distort the test results and make it harder to diagnose the disease.
: Celiac disease is a chronic condition. Currently the only effective treatment method is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
: Most often abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, anaemia, chronic fatigue and nutrient deficiencies.
: Yes. The disease can be diagnosed both in children and in adults, even if characteristic symptoms were not present before.