Celiac Disease: All You Need To Know
Celiac disease is an autoimmune and digestive illness that affects the small intestine. Eating gluten-containing foods causes the condition. Gluten is a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye that is commonly found in bread, pasta, cookies, and cakes. Gluten is found in many goods, including prepared meals, lip balms and lipsticks, toothpastes, vitamin and nutrition supplements, and, in rare cases, pharmaceuticals.
Celiac disease may be fatal. The condition can create long-term digestive issues and prevent your body from absorbing all of the nutrients it requires. Celiac disease can potentially affect organs other than the small intestine.
Celiac illness is not the same as gluten sensitivity or wheat intolerance. Gluten sensitivity can cause symptoms similar to celiac disease, such as stomach discomfort and fatigue. Gluten sensitivity, unlike celiac disease, does not cause damage to the small intestine.
Celiac disease differs from wheat allergies, which are a form of food allergy. Wheat causes an immunological response in both circumstances. However, some wheat allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes or difficulty breathing, are distinct from celiac disease. Wheat allergies, on the other hand, do not cause long-term harm to the small intestine.
Celiac disease can only affect those who have certain genes. If someone in your family has celiac disease, you are more likely to get it. Celiac disease affects both children and adults worldwide. Females are more likely than males to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Celiac disease is also more frequent in patients with specific chromosomal diseases, including as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Williams syndrome.
Long-term celiac disease consequences include
- accelerated osteoporosis or bone softening, also known as osteomalacia
- anaemia
- malnutrition, a condition in which you don't get enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to stay healthy
- issues with the nerve system
- issues with the reproductive system
Rare problems may occur.
- Adenocarcinoma NIH external link, a form of small intestinal cancer NIH external link
- Damage to the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure
- NIH external link for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
In rare situations, even after adhering to a gluten-free diet, you may continue to have difficulty absorbing nutrients. If you have refractory celiac disease, your small intestine is badly damaged and unable to recover. You may require intravenous nutrients and specialized treatment.
Celiac disease symptoms vary greatly, and a person may have various symptoms that come and go. You may experience stomach issues or other symptoms if you have celiac disease. Children are more likely than adults to have digestive issues. Celiac disease digestive symptoms may include
- bloating
- recurring diarrhoea
- constipation
- gas
- lactose intolerance as a result of small intestine injury
- stools that are loose, oily, heavy, and stink
- auseousness or vomiting
- abdominal discomfort
Doctors manage celiac disease by advising patients to adopt a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein that occurs naturally in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is also found in a variety of different meals and products. Consuming gluten causes an aberrant immune system reaction that destroys the small intestine in patients with celiac disease.
When celiac disease patients follow a gluten-free diet, their symptoms significantly improve. Following a gluten-free diet will repair and prevent further damage to the small intestine in most people. Many people notice that their symptoms improve within days to weeks of beginning the diet.
Your doctor will explain the gluten-free diet to you and may recommend you to a licenced dietitian who specialises in celiac disease treatment. The nutritionist will show you how to avoid gluten while eating a balanced diet and will offer gluten-free alternatives. He or she will assist you.
- Gluten should be checked on food and product labels.
- Create daily meal plans.
- Make healthy food and beverage choices.
