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As physicians start to biopsy the small intestine more frequently there
is an increased awareness of the atypical nature of the symptoms of
celiac disease. The majority of the patients I see have not presented
with the Classic symptoms but much more vague ( Not directly due to the
small intestinal malabsorbtion) presentations. Certainly I have seen
patients who have had reflux as their presentation which gradually tends
to improve after several months of the diet. I dont know why this but I
suspect it may be due motor incoordination between the stomach and
inflammed small intestine. This might lead to retention of food in the
stomach for a longer time and a greater risk of reeflux of the acidic
stomach contents nto the esophagus. Acid reflux is a very common
condition and it may be that it just co-exists with the celiac disease.
The only way of knowing for sure is if all of the symptoms go away after
a year of a totally gluten free diet.
Not medical advice
Joe Murray