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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Celiac Disease?
- What Causes Celiac Disease?
- What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
- How to Diagnose Celiac Disease?
- What are the Complications of Celiac Disease?
- What is the Treatment for Celiac Disease?
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a digestive system disorder caused by an abnormal immune reaction in the body to gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, oats and even in some vitamins and medicines. In people with celiac disease, consumption of gluten containing food products can cause an immunological response in the small intestine. This immune response destroys the lining of the small intestine over time, preventing it from absorbing certain nutrients and causing malabsorption.
Celiac disease is also known by other names like sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
In celiac disease, the immune system misidentifies gliadin, one of the proteins that make up gluten, as a threat to health. As a result, antibodies are created in the intestine that causes inflammation making the lining of the intestine red and swollen.
Although the aetiology of celiac disease is not very clear, certain factors increase the risk significantly:
- Family history: Celiac disease increases by 10% in people with close relatives suffering from the disease.
- Environmental factors such as introducing gluten early in childhood.
- Type 1 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
- Thyroid diseases
- Neurological conditions like epilepsy
- Down’s disease
- Turner’s disease
- Addison’s disease
What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
The clinical features can vary in children and adults:
Symptoms of celiac disease in children:
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Persistent Constipation or diarrhoea
- Stools that are pale, fatty, and smell bad
Symptoms of celiac disease in adults:
- Anemia (iron deficiency)
- Joint stiffness and pain in weak, fragile bones
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Skin problems
- Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
- Tooth discolouration or enamel loss
- Oral ulcers
- Menstrual irregularities
- Miscarriage and infertility
How to Diagnose Celiac Disease?
- Serology testing: Serology testing examines the blood for antibodies. Specific antibody proteins with elevated levels indicate an immunological response to gluten.
- Genetic testing: Celiac disease can be ruled out through genetic testing for human leukocyte antigens.
- Endoscopy: A flexible, lighted tube is inserted through the mouth to better view the intestine.
What are the Complications of Celiac Disease?
Complications can occur when there is a continuous gluten intake despite having
untreated celiac disease. These complications can be:
- Malnutrition: Coeliac disease makes the digestive system work less effectively, leading to malnutrition. This can lead to other conditions such as Vitamin B12 deficiency and folate and iron deficiency anaemia.
- Cancer: Certain cancers such as bowel cancer are slightly more likely in those with celiac disease.
What is the Treatment for Celiac Disease?
The only reliable treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet. An infected person should avoid:
- wheat
- Rye
- Barley
- triticale
- graham flour
- semolina
Healthy gluten-free foods include the following:
- Breaded, coated, or marinated fresh meats, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Fruits
- Starchy vegetables such as peas and potatoes
- Rice, lentils and beans
Besides diet control, nutritional supplements such as vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper are also prescribed.
Drugs for symptomatic relief are also advised.
