CONDITIONS
Gastroenterology
Celiac Disease
What causes celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a condition of the digestive system that affects the absorption of the protein gluten. If you have celiac disease, your body has an immune response to gluten that prevents the protein’s absorption through the digestive tract. Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley, and enters your body through the foods you eat or drink. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause damage to the small intestine that ultimately leads to nutrient deficiencies. In severe cases, the condition can cause anaemia and injury to the nervous system. Celiac disease can also inhibit growth development in children and cause bone density issues too.
What are the related symptoms?
Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy and affects the health of your small intestine. Symptoms of the condition include bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, diarrhoea and fatigue. Anaemia, mouth ulcers and skin rashes can also be a sign of celiac disease.
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
In order to diagnose celiac disease, your physician will need to conduct several tests and examinations. As part of this process, you will need blood tests to confirm the condition. These blood test can identify antibodies that suggest an immune response to gluten, or a genetic disposition to the condition. If you have celiac disease, your doctor may also conduct an endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify damage in your stomach or digestive tract. Skin samples may also be taken for further testing too.
How is celiac disease treated?
There is no cure for celiac disease, but, the condition can be managed with a gluten-free diet, supplements and medications to control symptoms. If you have the disease, you will need to follow a very strict gluten-free diet with the help of a professional dietician. Nutrient deficiencies caused by celiac disease also need to be managed with supplements such as iron, copper, zinc, vitamin B-12 and vitamin D. Treatment is aimed at helping your small intestine heal over time. If severe damage has occurred, however, you may need medications to control inflammation and infections.
