Coeliac disease
Coeliac Disease is an auto immune disorder which is triggered on consumption of gluten. This condition is also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or sprue.
Gluten is a protein generally found in foods made with wheat, barley, or rye. It is also found in certain medications, vitamins & lipstick. When patients with coeliac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks & damages Villi, tiny projections that line the small intestine. As a result, body fails to absorb nutrients properly into the body.
People with Coeliac disease are advised to eliminate all forms of gluten from their diet. It includes baked products, breads & beer where gluten is used as a stabilising ingredient.
What are the Symptoms?
If a person has celiac disease & eats gluten, he or she may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Anemia
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Foul Smelling stool
- Fluid Retention
- Pale sores in the mouth
- Tooth Discolouration
- Numb hands or feet
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Weight loss
Children with this medical disorder tend to present the following symptoms:
What are the causes of Coeliac Disease?
Although the definite cause of coeliac disease still remains unknown, research indicates that it may be linked to certain genes. Also, some stressful medical events such as a surgery, viral infection, emotional trauma or even pregnancy can trigger Coeliac Disease.
Risk of getting this disease is higher in individuals with certain medical conditions:
- Addison’s disease
- Down syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Turner syndrome
- Type 1 diabetes
How is it Diagnosed?
Common Blood tests to diagnose Coeliac Disease:
- Complete Blood Count
- Liver Function Test
- Cholesterol Test
- Serum Albumin Test
- Alkaline Phosphatase Level Test
The blood tests have to be conducted before going gluten-free as eliminating gluten from your diet before diagnosis might not give accurate results.
What are the complications of Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease can have serious complications if untreated.
- Cancer
- Damaged tooth enamel
- Infertility & miscarriage
- Lactose Intolerance
- Malnutrition
- Seizures
- Numbness in hands & feet
- Pancreatic Disease
How is Coeliac Disease Treated?
There are no medications that can treat Coeliac disease. The only way to manage it is to follow a lifelong gluten free diet. This helps the intestinal villi to heal itself & absorb the nutrients properly.
