Health Information
Celiac Disease
When To Call a Doctor
Call a doctor if you or your child has symptoms of celiac disease, such as:
- Unexpected weight loss.
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
- Failure of a child to grow or gain weight as expected.
- Unusual fatigue or mood changes, especially if these last more than a week and aren't related to any other illness, such as the flu.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with celiac disease, call a doctor if:
- Symptoms continue, come back, or get worse.
Watchful waiting
If you think that you or your child may have celiac disease, watchful waiting is appropriate if mild symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting last only for a few days. Talk with a doctor if your child continues to have diarrhea and doesn't seem to be gaining weight as expected even though he or she has a good appetite.
Who to see
Health professionals who may evaluate symptoms of celiac disease in adults or children include:
- Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
- Reference Pediatricians Opens New Window.
- Reference Internists Opens New Window.
- Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
- Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
A doctor who specializes in problems with the digestive system (Reference gastroenterologist Opens New Window) should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis with a small intestine Reference biopsy Opens New Window. In addition, a Reference dietitian Opens New Window can help you plan and stay on a gluten-free diet.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
