What is a one-sentence summary of the following article?
If you suspect you may have a sensitivity to gluten, bring up your concerns with your doctor. Receive a physical examination to check for signs of swelling and other physical problems. You'll also probably do a complete metabolic panel to check your blood count and organ function. Bring in your food diary, and be as detailed as possible. Be clear. If you're worried about gluten, say, "I'm concerned that I may have a gluten problem and I'd like to be tested for it." Don't leave it up to your doctor to guess. If your GP can't find anything to account for your symptoms, you will be referred to a specialist for treatment and further testing. Abdominal problems are usually quite complicated, and the symptoms can be indicative of lots of different things, so it's important to consult a specialist for more specific testing. Why not go straight to the gastro specialist? It's important to get a once-over from your regular doctor to rule out other possible concerns and receive guidance in this matter. The symptoms of gluten intolerance can be any number of different things, some serious and some not. Eliminate these possibilities first. Most doctors and experts recommend a TG test as the most reliable blood test for Celiac, which should be the first step in testing. Some doctors may also order a more comprehensive panel to check for your overall organ function and health, which may suggest a variety of things. The process is as easy as giving blood, and should only take 10-15 minutes. Most insurance plans cover this test in whole or part. A sample of tissue from the walls of the small intestine is the most accurate way to diagnose Celiac disease. This is a relatively simple procedure that takes less than 20 or 30 minutes in most cases. After being sedated, an endoscope is introduced into the small intestine from the mouth. A small tissue sample is taken to see if the villi have been destroyed by an allergic immune response. If so, this is a strong indicator of Celiac, along with the presence of antibodies. Endoscopes are very common and very safe. It's also an excellent way to check for other issues that may account for your symptoms, including gastritis, ulcers, or other stomach problems. Your blood-work and biopsy should yield information that will result in a positive or negative diagnosis for Celiac disease. If you tested positive, you need to adopt a gluten-free diet immediately. If you tested negative, talk to your doctor about other possibilities and whether or not you might be non-Celiac gluten sensitive. Do not attempt to "test" yourself. Lots of people read an article about gluten intolerance and decide they've got it without consulting a doctor. Celiac disease is a serious auto-immune problem, and requires a clinical diagnosis. If you start avoiding gluten actively, it can make it much more difficult to receive that diagnosis. If you tested negative for Celiac, fight for some diagnosis. If you're still experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about other testing options and other causes that could result in your symptoms. Get a second opinion if necessary.
Talk to a family doctor about your concerns. Get a referral to a gastroenterologist. Get your blood tested for antibodies. Undergo an endoscopy and biopsy. Get a diagnosis.