Question by Michelle Mendez: I have a question about gluten allergies?
If you suspect that you have a gluten intolerance should you either see a gastroenterologist, get a celiacs blood test or do both just to be on the safe side?
Best answer:
Answer by Lily
I have been diagnosed with celiacs for about 8 years now. When I got tested, it wasn’t as known, so my blood test came back negative and I had to get a biopsy! Now, the blood tests are much more accurate and easier to get than an appointment with a gastroenterologist. I would definitely go for the blood test. If you choose that, it’s important to keep eating food with gluten in it, as you normally would, or the blood test will come back negative (no way of telling if no gluten in blood).
Don’t worry, eating gluten-free isn’t bad at all and is even recommended by nutrionists! 🙂
All the best!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
I would do the blood tests first, as this is much more painless and less invasive than getting a biopsy straight away.
However, if your blood test results are negative, and you still have a lot of celiac symptoms, you can consider asking your doctor for a biopsy. This can confirm celiacs disease.
If you are not comfortable getting a biopsy. You may like to try eating gluten free for a while, and see if your symptoms go away. It may take up to a month for you to start feeling the effects of the diet change.
Being a celiac is a life-long disease, which means a life-long diet change. If you have the disease, it is best to be diagnosed by your doctor…as this will make you more careful when changing your diet, as a piece of gluten can be very painful and damaging to a celiac.