Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Key Takeaways
- Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten.
- It damages the villi in the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption.
- Symptoms can affect the digestive system and other parts of the body.
- The primary treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
What Is Celiac Disease?
When someone with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten, the immune system reacts by damaging the small intestine. Over time, this can make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients properly. Celiac disease is genetic and can run in families.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have digestive symptoms, while others may have symptoms outside the digestive tract.
Digestive symptoms may include:
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stools
- Weight loss
Other symptoms may include:
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
- Fatigue
- Bone or joint pain
- Bone loss or osteoporosis
- Depression or anxiety
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Canker sores in the mouth
- An itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
How Celiac Disease Affects the Body
The small intestine is lined with tiny fingerlike structures called villi that help absorb nutrients. In celiac disease, exposure to gluten damages these villi. Without healthy villi, the body may not absorb enough nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition even when someone is eating regularly.
How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed
Celiac disease can be difficult to recognize because symptoms may overlap with other digestive conditions such as IBS or inflammatory bowel disease. Evaluation may include blood tests and an upper GI endoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine.
It is important not to start a gluten-free diet before testing is completed unless instructed by your physician, because this may affect diagnostic accuracy.
Treatment: The Gluten-Free Diet
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods and products that contain wheat, rye, and barley. Your gastroenterologist may recommend working with a dietitian to help identify hidden sources of gluten and build a healthy nutrition plan.
Possible Complications
If untreated, celiac disease may lead to complications such as malnutrition, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, pregnancy complications, liver problems, and in rare cases certain intestinal cancers.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
You should seek evaluation if you have chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, persistent fatigue, or a family history of celiac disease. Testing may also be appropriate if symptoms continue despite dietary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten damages the small intestine.
What foods contain gluten?
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It may also be present in certain processed foods, medicines, and supplements.
Can celiac disease cause symptoms outside the digestive system?
Yes. Some people develop anemia, fatigue, bone loss, joint pain, skin rash, or nerve-related symptoms instead of digestive complaints.
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis often includes blood testing and may include upper endoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine.
What is the treatment for celiac disease?
The treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Related Resources:
IBS | Diarrhea | Constipation | Upper GI Endoscopy |Anemia
