sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Celiac disease: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Persistently elevated levels may suggest ongoing exposure and should prompt a careful review rather than blame.

    More urgent assessment is appropriate for severe weakness, significant dehydration, repeated vomiting, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up helps confirm that symptoms are improving, nutritional problems are being corrected, and gluten exposure is being minimized.

    An early visit is often used to review the diet, laboratory results, and access to a knowledgeable dietitian.

    Further visits are based on symptoms, test results, age, and recovery.

The article also says

Celiac antibody levels are commonly repeated over time.

Falling levels support reduced gluten exposure, but a normal result does not prove that the intestine has fully healed.

Blood counts, iron, vitamins, liver tests, or bone health may be monitored when they were abnormal at diagnosis.

Some adults may need a repeat endoscopy and biopsy, especially if symptoms or laboratory abnormalities continue.

Children are often followed for growth, development, and nutritional status.

Close relatives should ask their own clinicians whether screening is appropriate.

They should not begin a gluten-free diet only because one family member has been diagnosed.

Contact the care team routinely if symptoms do not improve, return after improving, or make it difficult to eat a balanced diet.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Celiac disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.