Response to gluten free diet

Diagnosis of celiac disease involves blood tests, biopsy and improvement in symptoms after initiating a gluten free diet. The diagnosis is confirmed ONLY after there is a positive response to the gluten free diet.

In cases where there were gastro-intestinal manifestations of celiac disease, improvement is noted within a few weeks of initiating gluten free diet. In cases where there were extra-intestinal symptoms, the improvement could take longer to reflect.

In most cases, individuals respond positively to the gluten free diet. But if there is a poor response or no response to the change in diet, one must go back to the doctor and discuss further.