Differential diagnosis of ec with other gastrointestinal affections - nutrition

Interpretation of celiac disease [CD] screening test results can be complicated. The physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease will need to make a differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions that may share similar symptoms or similar clinical and laboratory findings.

Different diseases may share one or more symptoms. The physician compiles a list of possible conditions from symptoms, medical history, family history, medications, lifestyle, and physical examination.

After this begins a process of ruling out, in which relevant tests are performed until a definitive diagnosis is reached in order to initiate appropriate treatment.

Differential diagnosis of celiac disease with other gastrointestinal conditions is key, as symptoms may be similar in several conditions, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Some gastrointestinal conditions that may have similar symptoms to celiac disease include:

• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity [NCGS]: characterized by symptoms similar to celiac disease, but without damage to the small intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue and depression.
• Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]: IBD includes disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Unlike CD, there may also be blood in the stool, fever and anemia.
• Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]: IBS causes recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel movements, but there is no damage to the small intestine. There are no specific tests to diagnose IBS.
• Food allergy: Food allergy causes an immune response to certain foods, with symptoms that may include nausea, diarrhea, and rashes, but nasal congestion, respiratory problems, and hives may also occur, without damage to the intestinal wall.

To differentiate celiac disease from other gastrointestinal conditions, tests such as measurement of anti-tTG and anti-EMA antibodies, and endoscopy with intestinal biopsy are performed to assess damage to the small intestine.

In addition, the physician may order tests to detect food allergies or evaluate intestinal function through transit or motility tests.