Celiac Disease: Definition and Facts
What is celiac disease? Celiac disease is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Eating gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This attack damages the villi, the hair-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food. Untreated celiac disease can lead to complications, such as malnutrition, anemia, and bone loss.
Resource: mayoclinic.org
How Common is Celiac Disease?
Researchers estimate that celiac disease affects at least 1 in 100 people worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 3 million people have celiac disease. Despite the frequency of the disease, a significant percentage of people who have celiac disease remain undiagnosed. Many people who have celiac disease experience symptoms for years before they receive an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms are often mistaken for other health conditions, especially when they are not directly linked to the digestive tract. Advances in diagnostic testing have helped more people receive the right diagnosis sooner.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease can develop at any point in life. It is caused by an immune response to gluten that leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. This damage prevents the proper absorption of nutrients and can create a wide range of complications throughout the body. Genetics plays an important role, and those with relatives who have celiac or type 1 diabetes are at higher risk. Celiac disease may develop at any age after people start eating foods with gluten.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
The symptoms of celiac disease vary among people and can affect more than just the digestive system. Common symptoms of celiac disease related to the digestive tract include:
- Changes in bowel movements
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
Non-digestive symptoms can include:
- Headaches and fatigue
- Joint pain
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Itchy or blistering skin
- Bone loss and fractures
- Mouth ulcers, gum disease, or enamel decay
- Anemia and vitamin deficiencies
- Neurological or psychiatric concerns
Sometimes celiac disease symptoms mimic symptoms of other diseases, making the condition hard to diagnose.
How Celiac Disease is Diagnosed
A blood test can help the physician determine whether the person has celiac disease. Blood tests can detect a high level of certain antibodies in people with celiac disease. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off foreign substances in the body. For accurate blood test results, the person should be eating foods with gluten for at least several weeks before the test. Working with a gastroenterologist is essential for managing the condition and monitoring for related complications. At a minimum, ongoing care is recommended once or twice a year. Professional guidance ensures patients stay informed, avoid hidden sources of gluten, and manage nutritional needs effectively.
How to Live With Celiac Disease
Currently, the only way to manage celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Eating foods that contain gluten will trigger an immune response that damages the villi of the small intestine. Some people with celiac disease may require ongoing medical care with a gastroenterologist. The main treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. People with the disease should not eat foods that contain wheat, rye, or barley. Removing gluten from your diet will significantly improve symptoms. However, it may take some time for your small intestine to heal.
Resource: webmd.com
Complications of Celiac Disease
Common complications of celiac disease include malnutrition and gastrointestinal cancers. Malabsorption causes malnutrition. Malnutrition can lead to other health problems, including infections and problems with the nervous system. People who have celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders are more likely to have malabsorption problems. Over time, untreated and sustained malabsorption can lead to malnutrition. Other complications associated with celiac disease include anemia, brittle bones, itchy skin, and neurological or mood-related symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Celiac disease can feel overwhelming, but with early diagnosis, follow-up care, and the proper support, most people live healthy lives. If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive issues or think you may have celiac disease, schedule an appointment with Associates in Gastroenterology.
