Exterior photo of the UVM Medical Center entrance.

Gastroenterology - UVMMC Main Campus

 (802) 847-3479

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Main Pavilion, Level 5
Burlington, VT 05401-1473

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Celiac disease is a disorder characterized by an allergic reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestine. At least 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease.

Celiac Disease: What You Need to Know

Prevention

There is no way to prevent celiac disease. However, though we cannot prevent the disease from developing, following a gluten-free diet will prevent symptoms and damage to your small intestine.

Teamwork

The University of Vermont Medical Center doctors use a collaborative approach to treating celiac disease. Your team may include a number of different specialists working together to manage your care.

Technology

We use the most sophisticated medical technology available for diagnosing and treating celiac disease, including capsule endoscopy.

Personalized care

The UVM Medical Center doctors tailor a course of treatment specifically for you. The goal of treatment is to manage the disease and improve your symptoms.

Experience, trusted expertise

At The UVM Medical Center, our gastroenterologists have years of experience diagnosing and treating celiac disease. You can feel confident knowing you have placed your care in experienced and skilled hands.

When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, it triggers an immune reaction in the small intestine. This causes damage to the small intestine, and the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. There are also long-term risks, such as other autoimmune diseases and, rarely, lymphoma.

Doctors do not know what causes celiac disease. However, research has shown that it runs in families. If someone in your family has celiac disease, you have a higher risk of developing it. In addition, celiac disease tends to be more common in people with:

Diagnosis and Treatment: Celiac Disease

Celiac disease often causes nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, stomach pain and diarrhea. The symptoms are often similar to other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease. It is important for an expert gastroenterologist to diagnose you. An accurate diagnosis is the basis for effective treatment.

At UVM Medical Center, we use a combination of laboratory tests and occasionally endoscopic procedures to diagnose you. Then, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Learn more about celiac disease diagnosis and treatment.

Find a doctor or specialist at The UVM Medical Center or call us at 802-847-8865.

Michael A. D'Amico, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Eric K. Ganguly, MD
Gastroenterology
Doris B. Strader, MD
Gastroenterology
Jillian S. Sullivan, MD, MSc
Pediatric Gastroenterology