You’ve always enjoyed foods like bread and pasta without giving gluten a second thought. But lately, some meals leave you feeling inexplicably unwell and you’re wondering what’s going on.
If this sounds familiar, you can find the clarity you need at Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida. John Rivas, MD, specializes in identifying the root cause of complex digestive issues, providing expert diagnosis for conditions such as celiac disease.
Can celiac disease develop in adulthood, even if you’ve never had a gluten sensitivity before? It’s possible. Read on to learn what signs to look for and what a diagnosis means for your daily life.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where consuming gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.
You might think of it as something that’s diagnosed in childhood, or not at all. But while celiac disease tends to run in families, symptoms can lie dormant for years and unexpectedly emerge at any age.
A later onset of celiac disease is sometimes linked to factors like stress, surgery, pregnancy, or a viral infection — essentially “activating” the condition in someone who was previously asymptomatic.
Around 60-70% of people with celiac may not even know they have it. Without treatment, continued intestinal damage may prevent nutrient absorption, leading to issues like anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain cancers and other autoimmune disorders.
When celiac disease does show up, it can present a wide variety of symptoms that are unique to each person. Digestive issues often include persistent bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation, gas, and abdominal pain after eating gluten.
Not all gut issues point to celiac disease, however – conditions like non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share similar symptoms, but require different management.
You might also notice non-digestive signs such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin rashes, brain fog, or anxiety. Because these symptoms are so diverse and can overlap with other health issues, expert diagnosis by a medical professional like Dr. Rivas is crucial.
Dr. Rivas typically begins your diagnosis by testing for celiac antibodies in your blood. If it’s positive, he may perform an endoscopy to examine the intestinal lining and take a tissue sample for confirmation.
Don’t start eliminating foods on a hunch if you only suspect celiac — going gluten-free before getting tested can give you inaccurate results. These diagnostic tests look for evidence of your body’s reaction to gluten, and if there isn’t any, you may get a false negative.
If your diagnosis confirms celiac disease, a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only treatment that truly works. It’s the key to finding relief from symptoms, healing your gut, and getting your life back.
Are you tired of wondering whether it’s celiac disease or something else? Get the answers and expert care you need at Rivas Digestive Center. To schedule a consultation, call our office in Hollywood, Florida, or book online.
