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Dr Usman Javaid
Dr Usman Javaid
Gastroenterologist
Lower Digestive

Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity — treatment in Lahore

Also known as: Coeliac Disease · Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy · Celiac Sprue

Celiac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten — a protein in wheat, barley, and rye — damages the lining of the small intestine, causing malabsorption and a wide range of symptoms.

Dr Usman Javaid
Medically reviewed
Dr Usman Javaid · MPH, FRSPH (UK)
Last reviewed
Evidence-based

Overview

Celiac disease is autoimmune, not an allergy, and the diagnosis affects you for life. We test correctly (while you are still eating gluten) and confirm with biopsy.

Affects ~1% of the population worldwide
Testing must be done while still eating gluten — otherwise it is unreliable
A strict gluten-free diet leads to full intestinal healing in most patients

Signs & symptoms of Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity

If you recognize one or more of these, it may be worth a consultation:

  • Diarrhea, bloating, weight loss
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Fatigue, brain fog
  • Failure to thrive in children

Causes & risk factors

Several factors can contribute to Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity. Identifying yours guides the treatment plan.

  • Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2/DQ8 in nearly all patients)
  • Trigger: dietary gluten
  • Often runs in families

How Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity is diagnosed

We order tests selectively — only what changes the plan.

  • Tissue transglutaminase IgA + total IgA
  • Upper GI endoscopy with duodenal biopsy

Treatment options

Treatment for Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity is personalized — the right plan depends on your symptoms, test results, and life situation.

  1. 1 Strict, lifelong gluten-free diet
  2. 2 Nutritional repletion (iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium)
  3. 3 Annual follow-up to confirm healing
  4. 4 Treat associated autoimmune conditions

When should you see a doctor about Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity?

Reach out without delay if you notice any of the following.

  • Chronic diarrhea or bloating
  • Iron-deficiency anemia without explanation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Family history of celiac
  • Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Failure to thrive in children

Frequently asked questions about Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity

Is celiac the same as gluten intolerance? +

No. Celiac is an autoimmune disease with measurable intestinal damage. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms without the autoimmune response and without intestinal damage.

Can I be tested while already on a gluten-free diet? +

Antibody tests will be falsely negative. You need to be eating gluten daily for at least 6 weeks before testing — otherwise we cannot reliably diagnose celiac.

Is celiac curable? +

There is no cure, but a strict gluten-free diet is fully effective treatment — the bowel heals, symptoms resolve, and the long-term complications are prevented.

Dr Usman Javaid
Author & medical reviewer

Dr Usman Javaid

Gastroenterology & Medicine Diplomat · DIP (Gastro) UK · DIP (Hepatology) UK · DIP (Diabetes) UK · MCPS FM-TC · MPH · FRSPH (UK) · FRCP (Colombo) · Organ Transplant Advisor · CHPE (NUMS) · Preventive Medicine Specialist · Owner of Javaid Poly Clinic.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Usman Javaid on . Content is updated when new evidence or guidelines emerge.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. If you have symptoms of Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity or any other condition, please book a consultation. In emergencies, call 1122 or visit your nearest emergency department.

A clear plan starts with a careful conversation.

If something feels off — pain, reflux, fatigue, jaundice, weight change — don't wait it out alone. Book a consultation and let's understand it together.

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