Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Positive EMA?

Ashley17

Recommended Posts

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted

Hello all,

My 4 year old son has been having stomach pain on a daily basis. Some diarrhea, some constipation. His grandmother has celiacs. He was tested and was negative for everything except for a positive EMA. He sees a GI in a couple weeks.

What are your thoughts on a possible diagnosis for him? From what I've read, a positive EMA is a sure celiac sign. But he was negative for the other antibodies? Do you think he will still need an endoscopy done? Thank you all in advance!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Fundog Enthusiast
Fundog
Posted

A an endoscopy is the "gold standard" of diagnosis, so yes, an endoscopy would still be preferable to get a confirmed, beyond a shadow of a doubt" diagnosis.  Be sure to keep him on gluten until all testing is complete.

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thank you so much for your response! 

Have you ever heard of a only a positive EMA? Negative to the other tests? 

Fundog Enthusiast
Fundog
Posted

I'm not actually very well versed in any of the tests, being rather new at all this myself, but I think a couple other people on here could tell you a bit more.

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thank you ! 

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I think it can be hard to get those other levels elevated enough, sometimes in a child.

 
  • "Anti-endomysial antibody test (EMA-IgA)—test specific for celiac disease. It is estimated that a person with an elevated level of EMA has an almost 100% chance of having celiac disease. However, this test is not as sensitive as the tTG-IgA test—about 5% to 10% of people with celiac disease in fact do not have a positive EMA test
  • HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8—gene tests for celiac disease"

Open Original Shared Link

 

 

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thanks! From what I'm reading, EMA is specific to celiac and not anything else, yes?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I am an oddball when it comes to celiac testing.  I tested positive to only the DGP IgA (even in follow-up testing).  Weird, but true.  That's why there a several celiac tests.  None are perfect.  People are not perfect.  That is why doctors still want to order an endoscopy (my biopsies revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB and my sympyoms was anemia, just anemia!) I would consider the endoscopy.  It sounds horrible, but he will be fine.   The genetic test will rule out celiac disease for life since you have to have the genes in order to possibly develop celiac disease, so that is an option.  It will not diagnose celiac disease though. 

Again, one positive is all it takes to go forward with an endoscopy.  

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
2 hours ago, Ashley17 said:

Thanks! From what I'm reading, EMA is specific to celiac and not anything else, yes?

Yes, it is specific to celiac disease.  

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

Thanks! I followed up with the pediatrician today and he is also anemic. Still have some tests pending after 3 weeks!! I feel like a jerk making him eat gluten when I know it is hurting him. But I know he has to keep eating it until all the testing is over!

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Hang in there mom! It will soon be over. Just stay strong. The anemia fits right in.

Ashley17 Rookie
Ashley17
Posted
  • Author

I can't wait for it to be over! thanks all!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      0

      Why Celiac Diagnosis Still Takes Years—and How to Change That

    2. JoJo0611
      - JoJo0611 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Awaiting Biopsy results

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.
    3. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to emzie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain...
    4. emzie
      - emzie posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body...
    5. Flash1970
      - Flash1970 replied to Ginger38's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      3

      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      Hi. So sorry to hear about your shingles. There is a lidocaine cream that you can get at Walmart that will help numb the pain. That's what I used for mine. It can't be put near your eyes or in your ears. I hope your doctor gave you valacyclovir which is an antiviral. It does lessen the symptoms. If it is in your eyes, see an ophthalmologist. They have...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,455
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    jscal6
    Newest Member
    jscal6
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • JoJo0611
      Awaiting Biopsy results

      By JoJo0611 · Posted

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.  
    • cristiana
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area.  I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who  had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain direction whilst doing exercises, but otherwise was responding well to the gluten-free diet. As far as I know is still the picture of health. I often end up with pain in various parts of my gut if I eat too much rich food or certain types of fibre (for some reasons walnuts make my gut hurt, and rice cakes!) and and as a rule, the pain usually hangs around for a number of days, maybe up to a week.   When I bend over or turn, I can feel it.  I think this is actually due to my other diagnosis of IBS, for years I thought I had a rumbling appendix but I think it must have just been IBS.  Reading the experiences of other sufferers, it seems quite typical.  Sensitized gut, build up of gas - it stands to reason that the extra pressure of turning can increase the pain. When I am glutened I get a burning, gnawing pain in my stomach on and off for some days - it isn't constant, but it can take up a few hours of the day.  I believe this to be gastritis, but it seems to hurt irrespective of movement.   Anyway, you are doing the right thing to seek a professional opinion, though, so do let us know how you get on.   Meanwhile, might I suggest you drink peppermint tea, or try slices of fresh ginger in hot water? A lot of IBS sufferers say the former is very helpful in relieving cramps, etc, and the latter is very soothing on the stomach. Cristiana
    • emzie
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By emzie · Posted

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body was trying to get rid of something from all sides and it was just horrible. Since then I havent been nauseous anymore at all, but the pain has stayed and it always worsens the moment i start moving. The more I move the more it hurts, and when i rest longer it seems to dissapear (no movement). I've had this before, but years ago I think around when I first got diagnosed with coeliac, where each time I moved, my stomach would hurt, to the point where I went to the ER because doctors got freaked out. That only lasted 1 night though, and Now it's already wednesday, so 3 days since then, but the pain persists and remains leveled. it doesn't get crazy intense, but it's still uncomfortable to the point I cant really go out because Im afraid itll turn into a giant flare up again. I couldn't think of where I could possibly have been glutened at this bad of a level and why it hasn't passed yet. I went to the GP, and as long as I have no fever and the pain isnt insane then its fine which I havent had yet. Tomorrow im also seeing a gastroenterologist specialized in IBS and coeliac for the first time finally in years, but I thought I'd ask on here anyway because it still hasnt dissapeared. It also hurts when someone presses on it. Maybe it's just really inflamed/irritated. I'm just frustrated because I'm missing out on my uni lectures and I do a sports bachelor, so I can't get behind on stuff & next to that i'm also going to go to the beach with my boyfriend's family this weekend: ( 
    • Flash1970
      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      By Flash1970 · Posted

      Hi. So sorry to hear about your shingles. There is a lidocaine cream that you can get at Walmart that will help numb the pain.  That's what I used for mine. It can't be put near your eyes or in your ears. I hope your doctor gave you valacyclovir which is an antiviral.  It does lessen the symptoms. If it is in your eyes,  see an ophthalmologist.  They have an antiviral eye drop that can be prescribed.  Shingles in the eye could cause blindness.  I was unsure whether you have celiac or not.  If you do,  follow the diet.  I believe that extra stress on your body does affect everything. Shingles can recur. If you start getting the warning signs of nerves tingling,  see the dr and start taking the valacyclovir to prevent a breakout. If I sound technical,  I am a retired pharmacist. 
    • Scott Adams
      celiac disease and braces

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You are right to be proactive, as research does indicate that individuals with celiac disease can have a higher predisposition to enamel defects, cavities, and periodontal issues, even with excellent oral hygiene. While many people with celiac successfully undergo orthodontic treatment without complication, your caution is valid. It may be beneficial to seek a consultation with an orthodontist who is familiar with managing patients with autoimmune conditions or who is willing to collaborate with your daughter's gastroenterologist or a periodontist. They can perform a thorough assessment of her current oral health, discuss your specific concerns about recession and decay, and create a tailored hygiene plan. This second opinion could provide a clearer risk-benefit analysis, helping you decide if addressing the cosmetic concern of the lower teeth is worth the potential risks for your daughter, especially if they are not currently affecting function or her confidence. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.