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Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease
Conclusion
The high prevalence of silent celiac disease amongst the general population is becoming increasingly well recognized, and the use of increasingly accurate serological testing in primary care will help identify these patients earlier. The pathogenesis of this fascinating disorder is becoming clearer, with genetic, dietary, innate and adaptive immunological factors all contributing, but effective treatments other than dietary restrictions are still some way off.
Prevention
Celiac disease can't be prevented.
If you already have celiac disease, you can prevent symptoms and damage to your small intestine by eating a gluten-free diet.
Treatment
Symptoms
There is no cure for celiac disease; the only treatment is a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease patients vary in their tolerance of gluten. Some patients can ingest small amounts of gluten without developing symptoms, while others experience massive diarrhea with only minute amounts of gluten. The standard treatment calls for complete avoidance of gluten for life.
- Digestive problems (abdominal bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea, pale stools, and weight loss)
- A severe skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
- Iron deficiency anemia (low blood count)
- Musculoskeletal problems (muscle cramps, joint and bone pain)
- Growth problems and failure to thrive (in children)
- Seizures
- Tingling sensation in the legs (caused by nerve damage and low calcium)
- Aphthous ulcers (sores in the mouth)
- Missed menstrual periods
Causes
The precise cause of celiac disease isn't known.
Celiac disease is most common in Caucasians and some gene changes (mutations) appear to increase the risk of developing the disease. But having those gene mutations doesn't mean you'll get celiac disease, meaning other factors must be involved.
Sometimes celiac disease is triggered or becomes active for the first time after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection or severe emotional stress.
Definition
Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten. Gluten is a form of protein found in some grains. The damage to the intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, especially fat, calcium, iron, and folate.