Celiac Disease - Medications
Medicines usually are not needed to treat celiac disease. If you or your child has been diagnosed with this condition, your doctor may recommend taking a vitamin supplement that has iron and calcium. After you or your child is on a gluten-free diet, symptoms should get better within 2 or 3 weeks, nutrients should be absorbed more normally, and the small intestine should gradually heal.
Medicine is only needed if you or your child becomes seriously ill with celiac disease or if complications develop. Medicines will be given only long enough to correct these problems. Doctors may prescribe steroid medications to ease swelling in the intestine and to help it absorb nutrients better. But not all experts agree about the use of these medicines to treat celiac disease. Some complications, such as delayed growth, cannot be treated with medicine.
Are you on a gluten-free diet? Regular breads, bagels, muffins, and many other store-bought baked goods are not allowed on gluten-free eating plans. Here's what you need to know before you buy gluten-free grain products or bake them at home.
Read the Guide to Gluten-Free Flours article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Today in Celiac Disease
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.