When you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that damages the small intestine. Also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, it’s not just a food sensitivity—it’s a full-body immune response that can cause lasting harm if left untreated. Many people mistake it for general gluten intolerance, but celiac disease is different. It’s not about feeling bloated after pizza—it’s about your body attacking its own lining every time you eat wheat, barley, or rye. And without proper celiac testing, a series of medical procedures used to confirm the presence of celiac disease, you might never know you have it.
Testing starts with a simple blood test for celiac, a screening that checks for specific antibodies produced in response to gluten. If your body is reacting to gluten, your blood will show elevated levels of tTG-IgA or EMA antibodies. But here’s the catch: you have to be eating gluten regularly for the test to work. If you’ve already gone gluten-free, the results could be falsely negative. That’s why doctors won’t test you unless you’re still consuming gluten. If the blood test comes back positive, the next step is usually an endoscopy for celiac, a procedure where a tiny camera examines the small intestine and takes tissue samples. This isn’t optional—it’s the only way to confirm damage to the villi, the finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. Without that biopsy, you’re guessing.
Some people skip testing because they feel better on a gluten-free diet. But that’s dangerous. If you don’t get a confirmed diagnosis, you won’t know how serious your condition is. You might miss related risks like osteoporosis, anemia, or even lymphoma. Plus, your family members—parents, siblings, kids—should be tested too. Celiac disease runs in families, and early detection saves lives. Even if you’re asymptomatic, the damage is still happening inside you.
The posts below cover everything you need to know after a diagnosis: how to read labels, avoid hidden gluten, manage nutrient deficiencies, and handle cross-contamination at home. You’ll also find comparisons between gluten-free products, tips for eating out, and how to talk to doctors who don’t take celiac seriously. This isn’t just about diet—it’s about protecting your long-term health. What you learn here could change how you live.
Celiac disease in children often presents as growth delay, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Early testing with tTG-IgA blood tests and strict gluten-free diet can reverse damage and restore normal growth. Lifelong adherence is critical.
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