Nontropical Sprue - Celiac Disease

How is the disease diagnosed?

Celiac disease may be diagnosed by observing the symptoms after an infant begins eating cereals. More often, however, it is diagnosed during the second year of life. The age and onset of celiac disease can vary, though. A blood test may show impaired levels of carbohydrate absorption.

Stool may be examined for excessive amounts of fat as this is a common sign of celiac disease. A healthcare provider may also order a barium enema x-ray study of the small bowel to check for increased intestinal secretion and clumping of the barium in the bowel. When celiac disease is suspected, a biopsy of the small intestine may be done. The biopsy shows an abnormal inner surface of the small intestine.