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Celiac Disease Specialist

SoHo Gastroenterology Murray Orbuch, MD Our Services Celiac Disease

SoHo Gastroenterology

Murray Orbuch, MD

Gastroenterologist located in SoHo & Financial District, New York City, NY

Celiac disease isn’t very common, affecting less than 1% of the population in the United States, but most people with the disease don’t know they have it. If you suspect you may be suffering from celiac disease, visit SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, with two convenient locations in SoHo and the Financial district, Manhattan. Dr. Orbuch can perform a comprehensive evaluation and determine if you have the gastrointestinal condition. To schedule a consultation, call either New York City office or request an appointment online today.

Celiac Disease Q & A

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestines. When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, which is protein found in foods made with wheat, rye, and barley, their immune system attacks and damages the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, the damage can be so severe that it causes severe malabsorption, multiple nutrient deficiencies, unexplained weight loss, unexplained bone fractures, unexplained anemias, and malnutrition. A rare complication of the disease if unidentified and addressed is a lymphoma of the small intestine.

You may be at risk of developing celiac disease if it runs in your family or you have other health conditions such as Type 1 diabetes or Down syndrome. 

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

If you have celiac disease, you may experience gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common include:

  • Bloating and abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Foul-smelling stool
  • Unexplained iron or b-vitamin B-12 deficiency
  • Recurrent bone fractures
  • Premature osteoporisis

In children, celiac disease can affect growth and development. 

However, celiac disease doesn’t always cause symptoms or you may not develop symptoms until your body is experiencing stress from other health conditions, such as pregnancy, surgery, or a viral infection. It can appear  later in life as well. Extreme personal stress can also trigger celiac symptoms.

How difficult is it to diagnose celiac disease?

Due to the variation in symptoms, celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose. The team at SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, may need to rule out other causes of your symptoms before they can diagnose you with celiac disease.

You may need various tests, such as genetic testing or a biopsy of your small bowel, to confirm that you’re suffering from celiac disease.

What are the treatments for celiac disease?

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. In order to prevent damage to your gastrointestinal tract, you need to avoid all foods and products, such as medicine and supplements, that contain gluten. 

The team at SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, specializes in celiac disease and can provide the information you need so you can eliminate all sources of gluten from your diet.

Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose. To schedule an appointment with the gastroenterology specialists at SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, so you can get answers to your questions, call either office or request an appointment online today.

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