Could this be Celiac Disease

I just recently had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy before I have my gallbladder removed because I do not have the "classic gallbladder symptoms"  I do have gallstones which is the only abnomal thing that showed on abdominal CT, but I also have very bad nausea 4 out of 7 days a week and bloating and pressure under the right rib cage.  My nausea is the only symptom I feel I can not function with.  The nausea is not connected to any attack and can last all day!

My endoscopy said "During the procedure we found, Diffuse shallow mucosal folds were noted in the second part of the duodenum."   The doctor talked to my mom(who is hard of hearing) while I was half asleep still and said it is usually due to food allergies and the report indicates biopsies were performed and I am awaiting the results of those. The GI's office staff said it could take up to 4 weeks to get the results!  Could it take that long??

My 4 questions are:  Is this how Celiac Disease presents itself?  And if this is not Celiac Disease, what else would cause thinning of the mucosal folds?  Are there any other food allergies that could cause this?  And, could the nausea be caused from the gallstones?

Thank you so much for your opinions!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Celiac disease may present with some of the described symptoms.  Typically, there can also be changes in bowel characteristics.

Normally, the biopsies results should take 4 weeks.  I would call to follow-up and ensure the results haven't been miscommunicated.  

Nausea can indeed by caused by gallstones.  If the examination is non-revealing, you can consider more specialized studies like a gastric emptying scan or a HIDA scan of the gallbladder.  

Food allergies are also possible, and should be discussed with your GI physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com