Celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder triggered when your immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction causes your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine, specifically damaging the villi, which are tiny structures that help absorb nutrients.
People affected by celiac disease can experience over 200 symptoms, impacting the entire body. Common issues include diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, and an itchy skin rash. To diagnose the condition, healthcare providers perform blood tests and biopsies. If diagnosed with celiac disease, adopting a strict gluten-free diet is the primary treatment.
Globally, about 1.4% of people have celiac disease, and recent research indicates that its prevalence is increasing. Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial. The disease can vary in severity, and the symptoms might affect just the digestive system or the whole body.
Local symptoms target the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing problems like diarrhea and bloating due to intestinal damage. Systemic symptoms, affecting the whole body, usually stem from malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies because gluten disrupts nutrient absorption. Children with celiac disease might face growth and developmental issues.
When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the villi in the small intestine, impairing the absorption of essential nutrients. Research has revealed that genetic factors, particularly the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, along with gluten consumption, play significant roles in causing celiac disease. These genetic traits can be inherited from one or both parents. While many people have these genes, only a fraction actually develop the disease. If a close family member has celiac disease, you have a higher risk of experiencing symptoms.
In most people, gluten proteins are broken down by digestive enzymes into peptides for easier absorption. However, in celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies a gluten protein called gliadin as harmful, leading to an attack on the small intestine and villi damage. Gluten is prevalent in many grains and processed foods like bread, pasta, and cereal.
If you suspect you have celiac disease due to symptoms or feel changes after eating, it’s wise to see your healthcare provider for testing. The diagnosis process includes a physical exam, medical history review, and symptom assessment. Blood tests and biopsies can confirm the disease. During the physical exam, a provider looks for signs like weight loss, rashes, and growth issues in children, sometimes involving listening to your abdomen and checking for pain. Genetic testing might also be recommended to check for specific genes linked to the disease.
A positive genetic test doesn’t mean you’ll definitely have celiac disease. If the genetic test is positive, further tests are usually required. Blood tests often show high antibody levels in people with celiac disease. These tests are most accurate before starting a gluten-free diet since consumption of gluten triggers antibody production. If antibodies for celiac disease are present, an endoscopy with a biopsy is typically the next step to confirm the diagnosis. An endoscope examines the small intestine for villi damage. Tissue samples are sent to a lab for detailed study.
The main treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which helps alleviate symptoms, heals the intestine, and prevents future complications for most people. A nutritionist can assist in creating a suitable gluten-free meal plan. Additionally, other treatments might address specific symptoms like skin rashes or nutrient absorption issues. While no current methods exist to prevent celiac disease, research is ongoing. Some studies suggest a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and certain vaccinations may reduce celiac disease risk.
For those affected, sticking to a gluten-free diet is essential to avoid symptom flare-ups. Although adjusting to this lifestyle can be challenging, especially at first, there are many enjoyable gluten-free foods available. Online resources can offer new recipe ideas and techniques for gluten-free living. Remember, a gluten-free diet can greatly improve symptoms and prevent long-term health problems. Take it day by day, consult your healthcare team, and lean on loved ones for support during this transition.
