Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about one in 133 Americans. Your risk is greater if you have a relative with the condition. The overriding characteristic of celiac disease is gluten intolerance. The body treats gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, like a disease-causing organism. The condition affects multiple systems of the body, giving rise to a variety of symptoms. The primary cause is damage to the small intestine that leads to malabsorption of nutrients.
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Unless you are keeping a food journal, you may not make the direct connection between eating gluten-containing foods and your symptoms. Diagnosis involves blood work to detect the presence of antibodies responsible for attacking gluten. Production of antibodies is part of the immune response. The ones produced in an individual with celiac disease are specific to substances within gluten. A healthy individual will not have these particular antibodies. Diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy of the small intestine to detect the damage caused by gluten intolerance.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary with the individual. They include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, bloating and chronic diarrhea. You may also experience non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as fatigue, depression and weight gain. The range of symptoms reflects the effects of nutrient deficiencies. Because it can be diagnosed at any time in your life, some signs of the condition may be more prevalent in certain age groups. For example, a child with celiac disease may appear small or underweight for his age group. An adolescent may experience delayed puberty. FamilyDoctor.org explains that adults are less likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms.
Long-term Effects
Uncontrolled celiac disease can lead to a host of long-term conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life. A study by the University of Marburg, published in the December 2010 issue of “Movement Disorders,” found a range of neurological issues associated with celiac disease, including migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome and seizures. In addition, a study by Federico II University of Naples in Italy, published in the October 2010 issue of "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” identified sleep disorders as a common occurrence with celiac disease, even with patients following a gluten-free diet.
Treatment
The treatment for gluten intolerance is simple yet effective. By eliminating gluten from your diet, you can prevent the small intestine damage that leads to malabsorption of nutrients. Your body can quickly recover from the effects, allowing you to restore your quality of life. There is no cure for celiac disease. Abstaining from foods that contain gluten is your only option. Voluntary labeling by manufacturers can ease the burden of making safe choices. In time, choosing the best foods for your condition will become second nature.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Prevalence of Celiac Disease in At-Risk and Not-At-Risk Groups in the United States; A. Fasano, et al.; February 2003
- Lab Tests Online; Celiac Disease -- Tests; July 11, 2011
- Celiac Disease Foundation: Celiac Disease Symptoms
- FamilyDoctor.org; Celiac Disease; October 2010
- "Movement Disorders"; Neurological Symptoms in Patients with Biopsy Proven Celiac Disease; K. Burk, et al.; December 2009
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; The Quality of Sleep in Patients with Coeliac Disease; F. Zingone, et al.; October 2010
