King’s College Hospital Dubai: Your Partner in Celiac Disease Management

Celiac Disease is a condition that impacts the lives of 1 in 100 individuals worldwide. Whether you are newly diagnosed, suspect you may have Celiac Disease, or are seeking reliable information, King’s College Hospital Dubai is here to help. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and support necessary to navigate life with Celiac Disease confidently.

Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is also known as coeliac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It is an autoimmune condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage. This damage interferes with the absorption of nutrients, resulting in a wide range of symptoms.

Common symptoms of Celiac Disease include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Nutritional deficiencies, including iron and vitamin D deficiency
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Failure to thrive (in children)
• Delayed puberty (in children)

These symptoms can vary in severity and may present differently from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

A number of people with Celiac Disease will have no symptoms, so it is important to know if you are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups. This includes:

• First degree relatives of someone with Celiac Disease
• People with type 1 diabetes
• People with autoimmune thyroid or liver disease
• People with Down syndrome, Turner syndrome or Williams syndrome
• People with a selective immune deficiency (IgA deficiency)

If you are in one of these groups, you should consider getting tested even if you have no symptoms.

Diagnosing Celiac Disease

Diagnosing Celiac Disease involves a comprehensive approach aimed at understanding the patient’s medical history, conducting physical examinations, and utilizing specific tests. Our experienced healthcare professionals employ state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately assess and diagnose Celiac Disease. Blood tests, such as serology tests measuring antibodies related to Celiac Disease, are often the initial step in screening for the condition.

In some cases, further evaluation may include an endoscopy with biopsy to examine the small intestine for signs of damage associated with Celiac Disease. Our dedicated team is committed to providing thorough and precise diagnoses, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care and support they need to manage Celiac Disease effectively.

Treatment for Celiac disease

The only available treatment for Celiac disease is to completely eliminate gluten from your diet. Following a gluten free diet can be tricky at first and you will need the help of a dietitian to help discover what foods you can eat and those you will have to avoid. The good news is that by following this diet, your intestine will heal and absorption of nutrients will return to normal.

Living with Celiac Disease? Let Us Help.

Living with Celiac Disease can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated team of specialists at King’s College Hospital Dubai understands the intricacies of this autoimmune condition and is committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Celiac Disease, don’t hesitate to reach out. Take the first step towards better health today by contacting us to schedule a consultation. Let us be your partner in managing Celiac Disease so you can focus on living your best life.