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Jul 31, 2006
Celiac Disease
by SirGan
 Although most people have heard about this Celiac disease, not too many know what exactly it really is about? Well, Celiac disease is a specific digestive disease that not only damages the small intestine but also interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. The most important characteristic of this condition is that people who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten. This protein can be found in wheat, rye, and barley. Besides the fact that this protein- gluten is found mainly in foods, the fact is also that it can be found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins. Every patient should know that because the body's own immune system causes the damage, celiac disease is considered an autoimmune disorder. But, some experts also classified it as a disease of malabsorption because nutrients are not absorbed normally.Mechanism of intestinal destructionWell, the mechanism is rather simple. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. So, the fingerlike protrusions lining the small intestine called villi -are damaged or destroyed. What is their purpose? Well, they normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream. That’s why, it is logical to assume that without healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, regardless of the quantity of food eaten Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
Possible causes of Celiac diseaseThe exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. Although there are still many unclear things about this condition- it is known that Celiac disease is a genetic disease, which means that it runs in families. If someone in your immediate family has it, chances are 10 percent to 20 percent that you may have it too. Sometimes the disease is triggered-or becomes active for the first time-after:
Other risk factors for developing this condition are
Incidence of the conditionAlthough many aren’t aware of this fact- celiac disease may be much more common in the United States than previously believed.
What are the symptoms of celiac disease?Most common characteristic is that Celiac disease affects people differently. Beside the fact that symptoms may occur in the digestive system, they could also appear in other parts of the body. For example, one person might have diarrhea and abdominal pain, while another person may be irritable or depressed. A person with celiac disease may have no symptoms. Symptoms of celiac disease may include one or more of the following:
Diagnosis of Celiac diseaseThere are some big diagnostic problems with this condition because it is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked as it can be similar to multiple other symptoms and often doctors may not link unconnected conditions. It is most frequently misdiagnosed with the cases of:
There are several tests that can be used to assist in diagnosis.
Blood testsWell, every doctor should know that the first tests to be run are usually blood tests. A blood test can detect high levels of these antibodies and is used to initially detect those who are most likely to have the disease and who may need further testing. It is also important to know that it is possible for a person to have negative results, however, and still have celiac disease. In those cases the next step in diagnosis is through a biopsy.
Endoscopy with biopsyWell, the most accurate diagnostic tool is definitely an upper endoscopy with biopsy of the distal duodenum or jejunum. It is important for the physician to obtain multiple samples from various places throughout the intestine. Sometimes even upper endoscopy carries a risk of false negative results. This is because celiac disease may or may not damage villi throughout the entire small intestine, and upper endoscopy only examines the upper part of the intestine.
Trial dietThese last couple of years, this diagnostic tool has become very popular! A trial of a gluten-free diet also can confirm a diagnosis. If the symptoms disappear- the results are clear!
Complications of Celiac disease
There is no doubt- biggest danger of untreated celiac disease is malabsorption which in turn can lead to malnutrition. This occurs in spite of what appears to be an adequate diet. What are the consequences of malabsorption? Well, it can lead to a deficiency in vitamins A, B-12, D, E and K, and folate, resulting in anemia and weight loss. Malnutrition can cause stunted growth in children and delay their development.
Several researches done in the past have came to the conclusion that with continued loss of fat in the stool, calcium and vitamin D may be lost in excessive amounts. The results could be very dangerous because it may result in a bone disorder called osteomalacia, a softening of the bone also known as rickets in children, and loss of bone density. Of course, it is also proven that lack of calcium absorption can lead to a certain type of kidney stone.
Patients are confused with one fact: why their stomach hurt even they eat gluten free diet. Well, the answer is simple: because of damage to your small intestine from gluten, foods that don't contain gluten also may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Great majority of people with celiac disease aren't able to tolerate milk sugar found in dairy products and this condition is called lactose intolerance. If this is the case, you need to limit food and beverages containing lactose as well as those containing gluten. Once your intestine has healed, you may be able to tolerate dairy products again.
People with celiac disease who don't maintain a gluten-free diet also have a greater chance of getting one of several forms of cancer. Most common forms are intestinal lymphoma and bowel cancer.
Although this isn't so common complication- the fact is that celiac disease has also been associated with disorders of the nervous system, including epilepsy and nerve damage.
Treatment of celiac diseaseUnfortunately- there is no cure for celiac disease but good thing is that patients can effectively manage their disease through changing their diet. Once gluten is removed from diet, inflammation in small intestine will begin to subside, usually within several weeks.
Gluten free dietThere is no need to point this anymore but- everyone should know that avoiding gluten is essential, because to manage the disease and prevent complications, it's crucial that all foods that contain gluten are being avoided. Foods rich in gluten are :
Although many patients are thinking that, when they avoid all these foods, what will remain? Well, there are still many basic foods allowed in a gluten-free diet. These include:
Gluten-free products aboundFortunately - there are an increasing number of gluten-free products on the market. Although patients are still not so sure about this- the fact is that there are gluten-free substitutes for many gluten-containing foods, from brownies to beer. Only problem is that identifying gluten-free foods can be difficult.
What after ingestion of gluten?It is important to know that if patient accidentally eats a product that contains gluten, he or she may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people experience no symptoms after eating gluten, but this doesn't mean it's not hurting them.
Most people with celiac disease who follow a gluten-free diet have a complete recovery.
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