Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestines. As the small intestines become more damaged, the person gradually loses the ability to absorb nutrients by the small intestines.
Gluten sensitive enteropathy, celiac sprue, and nontropical sprue are other names for celiac disease. When someone with celiac disease digests gluten, the gluten triggers to the immune system. The immune system of the person is what causes damage to the small intestine.
Celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea, constipation, recurrent abdominal pain, fatigue, and unexplained changes in weight. Irritability and depression can be caused by celiac disease. In children, celiac disease can cause growth delays.
People with celiac disease may have a vitamin K deficiency or anemia. Celiac disease may cause missed menstrual periods, infertility in men and women, and miscarriages.
Celiac disease can cause changes in the mouth. A person with celiac disease may frequently develop canker sores in the mouth. Loss of tooth enamel or a discoloration of the teeth can be caused by celiac disease.
Gluten is a protein that is present in grains like barley, rye, and wheat. The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly between different people with this disorder. Some may experience mild stomach discomfort and diarrhea, some may have more severe symptoms, as some people with celiac disease may have no symptoms at all.
Celiac disease is most commonly diagnosed during childhood, late adolescence, or young adulthood. Sometimes, a case of celiac disease may go undetected for several years if not decades.
There is a hereditary cause for celiac disease. Genetic testing can identify a persons risk of celiac disease.
Celiac disease is diagnosed by a blood test and patient history. If the doctor suspects celiac disease, the doctor may suggest a small bowel biopsy to look for inflammation and damage to the small bowel.
People with celiac disease often treat this disorder by following a gluten-free diet to lessen the damage on the small intestines. This is the only effective treatment for celiac disease.
For someone with celiac disease, becomes very important for them to know what products contain gluten. In addition to foods containing grains, gluten can also be found in a variety of food products including frozen french fries. They can also be found and nonfood products like some medications.
Many people with celiac disease have other sensitivities and allergies. They may have a food allergy or lactose intolerance which can cause some digestive symptoms to continue even after the person is following the gluten-free diet.
Filed under: Allergies