Celiac Disease

 Celiac disease is fairly common among people, although many of them aren’t diagnosed and aren’t aware that they’re ill. It’s estimated that only 30% of sick people are diagnosed.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes a reaction from the immune system against the protein ‘gluten’, which is found in grains, especially wheat and barley. This reaction causes a damage in the mucosa (the lining) inside the small intestines, and that damages its ability to absorb nutrients from food, which leads to mal nutrition.

Celiac disease affects females more than males.

Causes and risk factors leading to celiac disease

• There isn’t a clear reason for celiac disease, yet what’s definite is that genes play a role in it (a genetic mutation that transf3ers through generations).
• The risk of celiac disease increases in cases of extreme stress and having some health conditions, such as dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy and blistery rash), type 1 diabetes, a thyroid autoimmune disease, Down syndrome, William syndrome, Turner syndrome, Addison’s disease, and microscopic colitis.

Symptoms of celiac disease

Digestive symptoms in adults:

• Bloating and gas.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weight loss.

Symptoms aren’t related to the digestive system in adults:

• Iron deficiency anemia due to the decreased absorption.
• Malnutrition, which causes muscle wasting, problems in the dental enamel, problems in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in females, and mood swings.
• Mouth ulcers.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis.
• Fatigue and headaches.
• Osteoporosis or osteomalacia.
• Joint pain.
• Damage in the nervous system, which causes numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, in addition to memory problems and cognitive impairment.
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hyposplenism (reduced functioning of the spleen).

Symptoms in children:

• Digestive symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal swelling.
• Malnutrition, which leads to anemia, delayed growth and puberty, problems in the dental enamel, and neurological symptoms like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and seizures.

Complications of celiac disease

Chronic celiac disease might cause the following complications:

• Lactose intolerance.
• Some cancers, like intestinal lymphoma and bowel cancer.
• Compromised immunity.
• Intestinal ulceration and scarring.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• In case the celiac disease is resistant and doesn’t respond to a gluten-free diet, then this might lead to bacterial growth in the intestines, irritable bowel syndrome, poor pancreatic function, and chronic liver disease.

Diagnosis of celiac disease

• Blood tests.
• Intestinal biopsy.

Management of celiac disease

• The essential treatment for celiac disease is a lifetime gluten-free diet.
• You must pay attention that some non-food products might also contain gluten, and you must avoid them.
• Some nutritional supplements and medications, if needed.