What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage to the intestinal villi (tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients) leads to malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals, resulting in a wide range of symptoms and potential complications.
Celiac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide, though experts believe many cases remain undiagnosed. It can develop at any age after gluten is introduced into the diet and has a strong genetic component — individuals with a first-degree relative who has celiac disease have a 1 in 10 chance of developing the condition themselves.
At Dr. Jing Tong Gastroenterology in Flushing, NY, we provide thorough celiac disease testing, definitive diagnosis through endoscopic biopsy, and ongoing management to ensure intestinal healing and nutritional recovery. Dr. Tong's expertise in therapeutic endoscopy ensures accurate tissue sampling for reliable diagnosis.
Celiac Disease Symptoms
Chronic Diarrhea
Bloating & Gas
Weight Loss
Fatigue & Weakness
Bone & Joint Pain
Skin Rash (Dermatitis Herpetiformis)
Diagnosis & Treatment
Blood Testing (Serology)
Initial screening includes tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-IgA) and endomysial antibodies (EMA). Elevated levels strongly suggest celiac disease and warrant further investigation. Total IgA is also tested to avoid false negatives in IgA-deficient patients.
Endoscopic Biopsy (Gold Standard)
Upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsy remains the gold standard for celiac diagnosis. Dr. Tong performs this procedure to obtain tissue samples showing villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes — the hallmark findings of celiac disease.
Strict Gluten-Free Diet
The cornerstone of celiac disease treatment is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet. This means complete elimination of wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. Dr. Tong provides dietary guidance and monitors intestinal healing through follow-up blood tests and, when needed, repeat endoscopy.
Nutritional Supplementation
Many celiac patients have deficiencies in iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc due to malabsorption. Dr. Tong monitors nutrient levels and prescribes appropriate supplements to correct deficiencies and support overall health recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Jing Tong?
Johns Hopkins Trained
World-class training ensures accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment approaches.
Expert Endoscopist
Therapeutic endoscopy licensure ensures precise tissue sampling for definitive celiac diagnosis.
Multilingual Care
Discuss dietary needs and treatment plans comfortably in Mandarin, Shanghainese, or English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is celiac disease the same as gluten sensitivity?
No. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes measurable intestinal damage. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) causes similar symptoms but without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage. Proper testing is essential to differentiate between the two conditions.
Should I stop eating gluten before getting tested?
No. It is important to continue eating gluten-containing foods before testing. Eliminating gluten beforehand can cause false-negative results on both blood tests and biopsy. If you have already started a gluten-free diet, discuss a gluten challenge with Dr. Tong before testing.
How long does intestinal healing take?
Most patients notice symptom improvement within weeks of starting a gluten-free diet. However, complete intestinal healing typically takes 6 months to 2 years in adults. Children generally heal faster. Dr. Tong monitors your progress through regular follow-up visits.
Can celiac disease develop later in life?
Yes, celiac disease can develop at any age, even if you have been eating gluten without problems for years. Triggers may include stress, surgery, pregnancy, or viral infections in genetically susceptible individuals.
What happens if celiac disease goes untreated?
Untreated celiac disease can lead to serious complications including osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anemia, infertility, neurological conditions, and an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly intestinal lymphoma. Early diagnosis and strict dietary adherence prevent these complications.
Related Services
Get Tested for Celiac Disease Today
Don't let undiagnosed celiac disease affect your health. Schedule your evaluation at our Flushing office.