What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the small intestine’s lining, damaging the villi that help absorb nutrients.
Key Characteristics
- Immune reaction to gluten proteins
- Damage to intestinal villi
- Hereditary predisposition
- Life-long condition requiring dietary management
Common Symptoms
- Digestive issues:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Non-digestive symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Joint pain
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Diagnostic Methods
- Blood tests for celiac antibodies
- Small intestine biopsy
- Genetic testing
- Complete medical history
Treatment Approach
- Strict gluten-free diet:
- Elimination of wheat, rye, and barley
- Reading food labels carefully
- Avoiding cross-contamination
- Nutritional support:
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation
- Regular nutritional monitoring
- Consultation with dietitian
Long-term Management
- Regular medical follow-up
- Monitoring for complications
- Screening family members
- Support group participation
- Education about gluten-free living
Complications if Untreated
- Malnutrition
- Osteoporosis
- Infertility
- Neurological problems
- Increased risk of certain cancers