What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disease caused by an abnormal response of the immune system to foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. When celiac patients consume gluten, the immune system damages the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to a variety of digestive problems. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, weight loss and fatigue. Treatment includes a strict gluten-free diet that lasts a lifetime. With the right diet and lifestyle changes, most symptoms can be controlled and intestinal damage can be healed.
Celiac Disease Treatment
The only effective treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley, and all derivatives of these grains should be eliminated from the diet. A gluten-free diet promotes healing of the small intestine lining and reduces associated symptoms. Along with dietary changes, vitamin and mineral supplements may also be necessary because celiac patients often have problems absorbing nutrients. Dietitian support and regular medical follow-up help patients maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Symptoms of celiac disease may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, weight loss and fatigue. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as iron deficiency anemia, bone weakness and skin rashes.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease
Diagnosis of celiac disease is usually made through blood tests and small intestine biopsy. Blood tests check for the presence of anti-gluten antibodies, while a biopsy evaluates damage to the intestinal lining.
Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet requires eliminating gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye from the diet, as well as all foods and products that contain these grains. Instead, gluten-free grains such as corn, rice, quinoa and amaranth can be preferred.
Celiac Disease and Long-Term Health
When adherent to a gluten-free diet, most celiac patients can control symptoms and live normal lives. However, the diet must be followed strictly because even small amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, weight loss and fatigue. There may also be symptoms such as anemia, bone weakness, and skin rashes.
Diagnosis of celiac disease is usually made through blood tests and small intestine biopsy. Blood tests detect anti-gluten antibodies, while a biopsy evaluates damage to the intestinal lining.
The only effective treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. This requires eliminating all grains and products containing gluten from the diet.
A gluten-free diet excludes grains that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye, and foods that contain these grains. Gluten-free alternatives include corn, rice, quinoa and amaranth.
Celiac disease requires a genetic predisposition and is more common in people with a family history of celiac disease. However, genetic predisposition does not mean that the disease will automatically develop.
