According to MedlinePlus, celiac disease occurs when gluten damages parts of the small intestine, affecting food absorption. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person making diagnosis difficult. Left untreated the digestive condition causes malnutrition, stunted growth and vitamin deficiency. Celiac.com states the condition affects one in 133 Americans.
Treatment
A cure for celiac disease eludes the medical industry, according to the website MedlinePlus. Still, patients who eliminate all gluten from their diets remain nearly symptom free. Patients should avoid all beverages, medications and foods containing gluten. Eliminating gluten often brings positive results but some patients may require additional medications.
Complications
Celiac disease sufferers must adhere to a gluten free diet to avoid possible life-threatening complications, advises MedlinePlus. Complications include stunted growth in children, anemia, osteoporosis and an increased risk of intestinal cancer. Nerve damage and epilepsy, although rare, have been associated with untreated celiac disease.
Consideration
Anyone who suspects that they might have celiac disease should not make significant dietary changes without consulting with a physician for a proper diagnosis. The tests used to diagnose celiac disease will not indicate the presence of the condition if a gluten-free diet has been initiated. Only after a diagnosis has been made by a medical professional is it safe to start a gluten-free diet.
Time-Frame
Adhering to a gluten-free diet begins to heal the small intestine. Some feel immediate relief after removing gluten from their diet, states MayoClinic.com. An adult with the disease takes longer to recover than a child. The average child with celiac disease takes 3 to 6 months to heal, while an adult takes up to three years to heal. A person must remain on a gluten-free diet for the remainder of his life to stay symptom free. Some symptoms associated with celiac disease are irreversible, however such as decreased height and discoloration of teeth, reports MedlinePlus.
Diet
Patients on a gluten-free diet have plenty of food choices -- meats, fruits, vegetables, most dairy products, rice and potatoes may still be consumed. Foods made from grains should be eliminated unless specifically labeled gluten-free or manufactured in a gluten-free facility, since some foods can become cross-contaminated during production. Celiac disease sufferers should avoid breads, crackers, pastas and some sauces. MayoClinic.com advises patients to work with a registered dietician knowledgeable about gluten-free diets.
