Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
best test for CD?
avatar
gerdo posted:
with my upper GI biopsy and blood test neg.....i've given up wheat and feel much much better in just one day. should I see an allergist or an auto immune doc for the best dx for CD?
My symptoms were severe chest pains and shortness of breath. After I ate, i felt like someone was squeezing my windpipe closed and the chest pains were awful. I felt best in the mornings....cuz I hadn't eaten anthing all night. So I figured it had to be something I was eating. trial and error.
Reply
 
avatar
gerdo responded:
I should note that I'm 38 y/o female and symptoms came on suddenly.
 
avatar
CalGal37 responded:
You could see your general doc or an allergist, but whomever you choose, make sure they use a 'variety' of antibodies to check for CD. Allergists typically only use IgE which is an antibody that looks for an 'instantaneous' reaction. That's not typically the case when one ingests gluten. Ask to be tested using IgE, IgA and IgG antibodies - although IgG are considered slightly controversial (although not by functional medicine docs).

You may want to consider reading up on enterolab.com testing and using their IgA-gliadin test to look for CD.

Alternatively, use the IgG test to look for a 'delayed reaction' gluten sensitivity.
 
avatar
gerdo replied to CalGal37's response:
Hey Cal Gal - My general doc gave up on me months ago. He has no idea whats wrong. My ins doens't cover allergists.
I did demand a celiac panel (dont know what that covers) but I've been gluten free for 8 days before the blood was drawn.
Thanks for your help and advise
 
avatar
CalGal37 replied to gerdo's response:
The most sensitive test I know is the fecal antibody test by enterolab, and you can be off of gluten for quite awhile and still get a valid result using that test. It really is something to consider if you want a piece of paper with a 'written' diagnosis.

But if you're feeling better, that's one heck of a validation. Keep it up and see how you feel over time.

Don't feel badly, most docs really aren't too clued in about gluten issues. Finding out that people have food issues and testing for those is still in it's infancy. Sometimes it's up to the patient to become the 'expert.'
 
avatar
BlissfulWriter responded:
There are many people who are sensitive to gluten even though they may not meet the clinical diagnoses for celiac disease.

It is serious when "windpipe closes" and you should seek treatment from a doctor. It can also be other dietary allergies. Many people are have allergies to peanuts and casien (protein in dairy) besides gluten.
BlissfulWriter.com
 
avatar
gerdo replied to BlissfulWriter's response:
I've had all sorts of tests and every specialist says there is nothing wrong with me. and of course my ins doesn't cover allergists. I don't have the wind pipe closing feeling unless i eat gluten...had a half a mint milano cookie the other day and I couldnt breath. I can have chocolate and I drink milk all the time with no problem. I get the same feeling when I eat my fiber one bars. And I eat pbutter everyday w.out a problem
 
avatar
gerdo replied to gerdo's response:
Well I got my blood test results back from the celiac panel....neg and the biopsy was neg. Still have to wonder why I have chest pains and have a hard time breathing after eating wheat based products. Doc's tell me nothing is wrong.
 
avatar
CalGal37 replied to gerdo's response:
Did that blood panel give you a number for total IgA? If so what was it, and what was the 'normal' range for the IgA from that lab?

What specifically did the biopsy report from the duodenum say? Did it give you the number of IEL' s (intraepithelial lymphocytes) that were counted? If not, you may need to ask. A 'standard' is typically under 20 for 'normal.' Over 40 indicates celiac issues. But the range from 20-to-40 is indeterminate. If someone is within that 'gray' zone, the pathologist will typically say the person is negative when they may not be - and that can cause a problem in delaying diagnosis.

I'm not saying you have celiac/gluten issues, just saying if you think it could be a problem make sure you cover all the bases.
 
avatar
gerdo replied to CalGal37's response:
thanks for your help. god knows the doc's dont help!! I have asked for my blood test report to be sent to me and also i'm picking up the biopsy report tomorrow so I can see the numbers for myself. I'm NOT going by what they are telling me over the phone. I think I know my body better then they do.
THanks again for your advice and input!
 
avatar
gerdo replied to gerdo's response:
I got my rheumatology tests back - still waiting on the upper GI biopsy tests.
TTG Antibody IGA .5
Gliadin ABS IGG <10.0
Gliadin ABS IGS <10.0
Endomysial ABS, (IGA) Negative

Looks negative to me. I don't understand why I have such a hard time with wheat products. Heading to an allergist next month.
Thanks everyone!
 
avatar
CalGal37 replied to gerdo's response:
Gerdo, what is the level of your total IgA????? And what are the 'normal' ranges specified for IgA and IgG?
 
avatar
gerdo replied to CalGal37's response:
This is what it says about IgA : <10.0
Negative
then it goes on to say. ..
Negative in normal individuals. may be negative in dermatitis herpatiformis or celiac disease patients adhering to a gluten free diet.

Please keep in mind that I was gluten free for about 9 days before this blood test was taken. Although I did mistakenly eat gluten during that time.
 
avatar
CalGal37 replied to gerdo's response:
Gerdo, GF for about 9 days shouldn't really change the outcome of the test. But blood tests are notorious for not being wonderfully accurate about gluten issues unless the GI system is severely impacted. "Light" issues with gluten, or systems that are just starting to show the impact will often show 'false negatives.'

What's the level in this test in which the level of IgA is 'positive' for gluten issues. If it's 10, then you need to be checked further.

But I also question what the total level of your IgA is.............? If that level is low, you may not be able to generate an IgA-gliadin response and your <10 level would be a false negative.
 
avatar
gerdo replied to CalGal37's response:
The test resuls dont post an acutal number except for the TTG:

The TTG antibody IGA is .5 and the range is 0.0-6.9
Gliadin IGA is <10.0 It states that <20.0 is negative
Endomysial IGA gives no number. just says negative

Thanks again for all your input. I appreciate it


Spotlight: Member Stories

Therapists Directory - Find a Psychologist and therapist listing with the Verified therapist Directory and get information including the physician...More

Helpful Tips

Celiac with diabetes
If you are diabetic (along with being celiac) and continue to have bowel problems check with your physician especially if you are taking ... More
Was this Helpful?
20 of 32 found this helpful

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.