Celiac Disease

What is it

Celiac Disease, a chronic digestive and immune disorder, is a disease in which the immune system attacks the small intestine in the presence of gluten. This results in damage to the villi, which are often referred to as small; “hairlike” or “fingerlike” projections that line the small intestine; this structure relates to the function of nutrient absorption. A damaged villi makes it harder for nutrients to be properly absorbed into the body and circulatory system. The immune system’s response to a person who has celiac disease can flatten the villi, decreasing the surface areas and decreasing the amount of absorption correspondingly.

Severity/complications

The Celiac Disease FOUNDATION claims that, compared to the healthy body, patients with celiac disease have a 2x increased risk of acquiring coronary artery disease, and a 4x increased risk of developing small bowel cancers. It is important to treat celiac disease, as untreated celiac disease can lead to autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions, among many others.

A patient with celiac disease has an increased risk of compromised immunity, additional food intolerances, ulceration and scarring, liver disease, and cancer, although it is important to note some complications are more probable than others.

Unlike Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease can’t be classified into different stages. A patient can either have the disease or not have it, and there is no in-between. However, this shouldn’t be confused with false positives that might arise when diagnosed with the disease.

Symptoms:

Chronic diarrhea
Lactose intolerance
Pain in the abdomen
Constipation
Bloating
Delayed puberty (in children)

What causes it?

Celiac disease is strongly correlated to genes, while other factors are currently being researched. Certain infections and certain digestive tract infections can increase risks. The microbiome could also impact the development of this disease.

There are two groups of normal gene variants, called DQ2 and DQ8. Research has shown that about 30% of those who have the disease contain the genes, while only 3% do not. There is ongoing research studying different genes and their potential link to the increase of developing celiac disease.

Consuming gluten can also trigger the abnormal immune system system response that results in celiac disease. Increased consumption of gluten during childhood can result in a greater risk of celiac disease. However, not all people who have this disease eat unusual amounts of gluten.

Treatment:

Currently, their only treatment requires a restricted, gluten-free diet for life, including no beverages containing gluten and specific proteins found in when. However, recently, there has been an increase in the variety of foods that are labeled as gluten-free that can be found in the local grocery store. Vitamins and Dietary supplements include fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, folate, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, as well as in calories and protein.

After the first diagnosis, it is recommended to have a follow-up after 3-6 months in which nutritional deficiencies are found, followed by a 12-month checkup and an annual checkup for life. A common test, called the anti-tTg IgA test should be negative for patients who are on a strict gluten-free diet, with levels as close to zero as possible. They are also recommended to revive counseling from a deletion, to learn more about possible cross-contamination, how to read labels, and additional gluten-free counseling a patient may need.

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