Understanding Celiac Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 Celiac Disease is a hereditary autoimmune condition primarily affecting the digestive system. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, damages the small intestine’s lining in individuals with Celiac Disease, impairing nutrient absorption.

Other terms for celiac disease include:

  • Sprue

  • Non-tropical sprue

  • Gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

While celiac disease can impact various body regions, its symptoms typically manifest in the intestines and digestive tract. Symptoms differ between adults and children.

Celiac Symptoms in Children:

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Weight loss

  • Vomiting

  • Pale, foul-smelling stools

  • Abdominal pain

  • Persistent diarrhea

Celiac Symptoms in Adults:

  • Diarrhea

  • Bloating

  • Weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Constipation

  • Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

  • Fatigue

  • Weak, brittle bones

  • Seizures

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Anemia

  • Pale sores inside the mouth

  • Tooth discoloration

  • Skin disorders

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Infertility and miscarriages

Who is at Risk of Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease runs in families. Research indicates a 1 in 22 chance of developing the condition if a parent or sibling has it. The likelihood of developing celiac disease is also higher in individuals with other autoimmune diseases and specific genetic conditions. Diseases associated with celiac disease include:

  • Intestinal cancer

  • Intestinal lymphoma

  • Addison’s disease

  • Turner syndrome

  • Down syndrome

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Thyroid disease

  • Sjogren’s syndrome

  • Lupus

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Type 1 diabetes

  • Autoimmune liver disease

Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and a medical history review. Blood tests, such as a celiac panel measuring certain antibodies, are performed. Other tests include:

  • Complete blood count

  • Liver function tests

  • Cholesterol test

  • Alkaline phosphate level test

  • Serum albumin test

  • Upper endoscopy with biopsies of the small intestine and duodenum

Testing is essential to distinguish celiac disease from other serious medical conditions with similar symptoms and to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for Celiac Disease

The most effective treatment for celiac disease is to permanently eliminate gluten from the diet, allowing the intestinal villi to heal and properly absorb nutrients. Patients are educated on avoiding gluten while maintaining a nutritious diet.

Symptoms can start to lessen within days of removing gluten from the diet. However, it is crucial to continue consuming gluten until a diagnosis is confirmed, as premature elimination can affect test results and lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

Dr. Moode Jayanth, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology), FIAGES, FALS (Robotic Surgery)
Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist & Robotic Surgeon
Best Surgical Gastroenterologist in Somajiguda

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