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The digestive system helps us absorb nutrition from our food. Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine as a reaction to gluten when gluten is eaten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Symptoms of celiac disease
Celiac disease symptoms can vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. Some people with celiac disease do not experience any symptoms at all. Common symptoms of celiac disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Headaches
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Delayed growth and development in children.
Search for "Best gastro hospital near me" and book an appointment with the experts when you encounter any of the symptoms for a longer period.
Causes of celiac disease
Celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune system reaction to gluten. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine. This damage can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from food.
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
If you think you may have celiac disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis. No one test can diagnose celiac disease, but your doctor may order a variety of tests, including:
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Blood Tests: Blood tests can look for antibodies that are produced in response to gluten.
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Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can determine if you have the genes that are associated with celiac disease.
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Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to examine the lining of the small intestine. During an endoscopy, your doctor may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from the small intestine for examination under a microscope.
Treatment for celiac disease
Celiac disease is a condition aggravated by unsuitable dietary proteins. The only way to celiac disease treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. This helps prevent the complications caused by the body’s reaction to gluten. This means avoiding all foods that contain wheat, rye, and barley can help prevent the inflammatory reactions caused by gluten in the body.
Following a gluten-free diet can be challenging, but it is essential for people with celiac disease. For those suffering from Celiac Disease, eating gluten can damage the small intestine and lead to serious complications, such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, and even cancer.
Risk factors for celiac disease
Celiac disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with certain risk factors, including:
- Family history of celiac disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
Living with celiac disease
Living with celiac disease can be challenging, but it is possible to manage the condition and live a healthy, fulfilling life. The most important thing is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. There are many resources available to help people with celiac disease follow a gluten-free diet. There are also many gluten-free foods available in grocery stores and restaurants. If you have celiac disease, it is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and make sure that you are getting the nutrients you need. Visit your nearest Manipal Hospitals or book an appointment online to consult our expert doctors and say bye to your worries about gastric health.
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