Celiac disease
An overview of Providence Health Care’s services and resources for adults living with celiac disease.
Overview
Celiac disease is a chronic (long-term) illness caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in foods with wheat, barley or rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system damages the lining of their small intestine. This makes it harder to absorb nutrients from their food.
About 1% of the population has celiac disease. Most people diagnosed with celiac disease have a specific gene mutation.
Contact
Pacific Gastroenterology Associates
770 – 1190 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K5
Diagnosis & testing
At Providence Health Care, we use two main tests to diagnose celiac disease. While taking these tests, you should still eat gluten.
Treatment & management
Celiac disease is a lifelong disorder. If you have celiac disease, you will need to follow a strict, gluten-free diet. This diet prevents damage to your small intestines. Registered dieticians at Providence can help you with this diet.
Sometimes, people with celiac disease still experience digestive issues with a gluten-free diet. In these cases, a registered dietitian may recommend a low Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) diet. FODMAP refers to a group of carbohydrates found in certain foods. These carbohydrates can be hard to digest.
People with celiac disease also need to visit their doctor at PHC each year for a check-up. This check-up includes a general physical exam and antibody level count.
Clinics that treat celiac disease
Support services
Providence Health Care offers a variety of services to support those we care for. The following services may be of use or benefit to you and your families.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.
Education & resources
Clinical trials & research
Advances in treatments for digestive health issues are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this field, so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.
By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about heart disease and find better ways to help people like you live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can improve care for future patients.
The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.
Meet our team
