Celiac disease is an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat and similar grains. This abnormal reaction damages the small intestine's lining, leading to various symptoms and blocking nutrient absorption. Celiac disease is often genetic, although environmental triggers may play a part. While most cases begin in childhood and early adulthood, it may occur later in life and can be associated with other autoimmune diseases.
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Celiac disease symptoms differ between adults and children, but many people have no symptoms at all.
Adults often experience:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and gas
Additional symptoms in adults may include fatigue, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, skin rashes, dental issues, ulcers, and headaches.
Children may exhibit:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Irritability
- Growth delay
If celiac disease is suspected, your doctor may use a special blood test to screen for the condition. If the blood test is positive, an upper endoscopy with biopsies of the small intestine is required to make a definitive diagnosis. It's important not to initiate a gluten-free diet prior to testing as doing so could compromise test results and hinder diagnosis. The healing process after switching to a gluten-free diet could take weeks or months before reaching its full effect, but many experience relief in days.
To date, there's no known cure for celiac disease though many medication and vaccination options are being developed. Eliminating gluten completely from one's diet is the standard of treatment today.
Being gluten-free involves not eating:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Some oats
- Rye
Transitioning to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, but our nutrition experts are here to guide you on a personal level. Most celiac patients rapidly adapt. Remember, even if gluten doesn't cause symptoms, it is harmful for those with celiac disease and continued exposure can lead to significant complications including cancer of the small intestine.