Gluten is a compound that is found in many food products. People with who say they have gluten allergies have celiac disease, which means that their body reacts improperly to gluten when it is present in the intestines. Celiac disease is a problem with the immune system and with intestinal absorption and is typically treated with a restricted diet.
Identification
As a 2009 article in Lancet, "Coeliac Disease", explains celiac disease is a condition in which patients are unable to tolerate foods that contain gluten. Ingestion of gluten proteins causes problems with the intestines. Gluten is found in many grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten can also be found, according to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disorders in certain medicines and vitamins.
Pathology
Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, is the result of an immune disorder. When patients with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system has an adverse reaction that leads the destruction or damage of small intestinal protrusions called villi. The role of the villi is to increase the surface area which allows for the intestine to absorb nutrients. Villi destruction and damage causes the intestines to improperly and inefficiently absorb the nutrients from food. Celiac disease is hereditary, which means it can run in families. Sometimes the disease may be triggered by surgery, certain kinds of infections, and emotional stress.
Symptoms
Patients with celiac disease typically have symptoms when they consume products that contain gluten. Ingestion of gluten leads to abdominal pain and bloating combined with diarrhea or constipation. The stool of celiac patients having an acute flareup may be fatty or foul smelling. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting.
Diagnosis
Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose symptomatically because the manifestations of the disease can resemble other intestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis is usually based on blood tests which look for antibodies (proteins made by the immune system) against some of the proteins found in gluten, including the molecule gliadin. A biopsy of the intestines can also show damaged villi which are characteristic of the disease.
Treatment
The only way to effectively treat celiac disease is for the patient to remove all gluten from his diet. Patients typically will need to work with a dietician to identify sources of gluten and to determine which foods are safe to eat. This involves avoiding many kinds of flour and other foods made with barley, wheat and rye. It is possible for celiacs to eat well-balanced diets with careful planning.
