Celiac Disease

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. It happens when people who are genetically predisposed eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. In response, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to poor nutrient absorption and a wide range of symptoms.

This condition can develop at any age and affects people of all backgrounds. Without treatment, celiac disease can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, infertility, osteoporosis and even some types of cancer.

What Causes Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten. For people with the disease, eating even small amounts of gluten triggers the immune system to damage the villi — tiny finger-like structures in the small intestine that help absorb nutrients.

Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop celiac disease, but several factors can play a role:

• Family history: Having a close relative with celiac increases your risk.
• Other autoimmune diseases: Such as Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease.
• Infections: Certain viral infections in childhood may be linked.
• Genes: Specific gene markers (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8) are commonly found in people with celiac.

Celiac disease can look very different from person to person. Some people have digestive symptoms, while others may have symptoms unrelated to the gut.

Common Digestive Symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight loss

Non-Digestive Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Infertility or delayed growth in children
  
  

Some people may not feel sick at all, even though damage is happening inside.

How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed

If a health care provider suspects celiac disease, they may order:

• Blood tests: To check for specific antibodies (like tTG-IgA).
• Genetic tests: To look for genes linked to the condition.
• Endoscopy with biopsy: A camera examines the small intestine and takes a sample to look for damage.
  
  

It’s important to keep eating gluten before testing, or the results may not be accurate.

Treatment Options for Celiac Disease

There is currently no cure for celiac disease, but it can be managed effectively.

The Main Treatment: A Gluten-Free Diet

Avoiding gluten completely helps the small intestine heal and prevents further complications. That means no foods made with:

• Wheat (including spelt, farro and durum)
• Barley
• Rye
• Some oats (unless labeled gluten-free)
  
  

Safe foods include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Rice, quinoa and potatoes
• Meat, poultry and fish (unprocessed)
• Gluten-free breads, cereals and baked goods
  
  

Other Steps

• Take supplements if you’re low in iron, calcium or vitamins.
• Work with a registered dietitian to plan balanced meals.
• Check all food labels for hidden gluten (like sauces, soups and snacks).
• Ask about gluten-free medications or personal care items if needed.

How to Prevent Symptoms of Celiac Disease:

Because celiac disease is inherited, it cannot be prevented, but you can avoid symptoms and complications by:

• Following a 100% gluten-free diet
• Getting diagnosed early if you’re at risk
• Not starting a gluten-free diet before testing
• Joining support groups or celiac associations for resources
  
  

With proper care and strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle, most people with celiac disease live healthy, active lives.

If you have symptoms of celiac disease or a family history of it, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term problems and improve your overall health.

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