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CELIAC DISEASE

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CELIAC DISEASE

Celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder that is characterized by an inflammation in the small intestine due to an exposure to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

  • If you have celiac disease and eat food with gluten, your immune system responds by creating toxins that damage your villi.
  • Villi are small finger-like protrusions lining the small intestine, they absorb vitamins, mineral and other nutrients from the food we eat.
  • When the villi become damaged, it affects the absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption), eventually leading to malnutrition and other severe medical complications, including permanent intestinal damage.
  • Gluten may also be found in other products like vitamins and supplements, toothpaste, hair and skin product, and lipsticks.
  • If you have celiac disease you may have to eliminate all forms of gluten from your diets such as bread products, baked goods, beer and foods where gluten may be used as a stabilizing ingredient.
  • Celiac disease can affect anyone both young and old
  • In children, malabsorption can lead to abnormal growth and development.

CAUSES

  • Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten found in wheat, barley, and
  • Some gene variation may increase the risk of developing the disease.
  • Celiac disease may be triggered or become active for the first time after surgery, emotional stress, viral infections, pregnancy, or childbirth.
  • Factors that might predispose an individual to celiac disease may include type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may vary greatly and may differ in children and adults

IN ADULTS, the most common symptoms are

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue and headaches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Anemia
  • Itchy, blistery skin rash
  • Loss of bone density
  • Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
  • Heartburn and acid reflux

IN CHILDREN under 2 years, symptoms may include:

  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Failure to thrive
  • Poor appetite
  • Swelling in the belly
  • Vomiting

Symptoms in older children may include:

  • Constipation
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Stunted growth
  • Delayed puberty

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors use two blood tests to make a diagnosis.

  • Serology tests that look for certain antibodies in your blood. A high level of certain antibody protein may indicate an immune reaction to gluten.
  • Genetic tests to look for human leukocyte antigens to rule out celiac disease

If the test shows celiac disease, your doctor may request an endoscopy to view your small intestine and take a little bit of tissue to see if it is damaged.

TREATMENT

To manage celiac disease, you will need to go on a strict gluten-free diet.

In addition to staying away from bread, cake, and other baked goods, you may also need to stay away from beer, pasta, cereals, some medications and other product that may contain gluten.

Gluten can be found in preservatives, vitamin supplements, herbal supplements, lipstick products, or toothpaste and mouthwash

If you have a chronic nutritional deficiency, your doctor may recommend gluten-free mineral and vitamin supplements.

If you have severe intestinal damage, steroids may be recommended to control inflammation.

Your doctor may recommend a dietician to help you plan a healthy gluten-free diet.

Inflammation in your small intestine starts to reduce once gluten has been removed from your diet.

Regrowth and complete healing of the villi may take several months to years.