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Understanding the Celiac Disease

For some people, not eating gluten is a choice. For some, it’s a must. Gluten intolerance is also known as celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disorder which is caused by gluten which is basically a protein that is found in wheat, barley and other whole grains. It is the substance that gives your pizza or bread dough that beautiful rise and stretchiness as well as that mouth-watering chewy texture. However, that cannot be enjoyed with people having gluten intolerance as their body is resistance to the protein found in gluten. Anyone with the celiac disease is at a risk of damaging small slender projections that are found on the wall of their small intestine, called villi. A damaged villi disables the small intestine from absorbing nutrients properly from food. Over time this can cause malnutrition, infertility, loss of bone density, miscarriages, onset of certain neurological diseases and some types of cancers.

Causes 

Celiac disease is often genetic and can be caused by eating gluten. Other factors that are attributed to gluten intolerance is gastrointestinal infections, certain feeding practices in infants and gut bacteria. Some people experience gluten intolerance after giving birth, during pregnancy, after a surgery or a viral infection or emotional stress. Some factors cause the immune system to overreact, causing damage to the villi. Celiac disease is much more common in people who have Addison’s disease, Type I diabetes, Autoimmune Thyroid disease, a family member with dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease, Microscopic colitis, Turner or Down’s syndrome.

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

The symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary greatly in all age groups. In adults, the signs that you have celiac disease are:

•    Fatigue

•    Diarrhoea

•    Nausea

•    Abdominal pain

•    Vomiting

•    Constipation

•    Bloating and gas

•    Mouth ulcers

•    Headaches

•    Joint pain

•    Itchy skin and blisters called dermatitis herpetiformis

•    Loss of bone density

•    Iron deficiency, which can cause anaemia

•    Decrease in spleen function

In children, digestive problems are much more likely to present themselves with more severity as compared to adults, such as

•    Foul-smelling stools that are pale in colour

•    Constipation

•    Vomiting

•    Nausea

•    Swollen belly

•    Chronic diarrhoea

The inability of digestive system to absorb nutrients can cause:

•    Damaged tooth enamel

•    Growth or development problems

•    Weight loss

•    Short stature

•    Irritability

•    Anaemia

•    Delayed puberty

•    Some neurological disorders such as ADHD, muscle coordination issues, seizures, headaches, anxiety and learning disabilities.

Treatment for Celiac Disease

The doctors diagnose gluten intolerance after conducting the Serology test and genetic testing to find out the presence of human leukocyte antigens, which can rule out the chance of having the celiac disease. Although there is no cure for celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage and control symptoms and help repair the intestinal lining. You will be advised to stay away from anything that contains gluten, which not only means breads, pastas, beer and cereals but also some toothpastes and other medications. If you develop malnutrition, you will be prescribed a gluten free multi-vitamin or a mineral supplement.