Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that can lead to a range of symptoms. You should consult your healthcare provider to find out if you are at risk for the disease. Symptoms of the disease can include digestive problems, fatigue, and even vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can cure celiac disease and allow people to lead healthy lives again.
Symptoms of celiac disease
The symptoms of celiac disease can vary. Some sufferers have no symptoms at all, while others may experience severe bloating and pain, intestinal inflammation, and damage to the villi that absorb nutrients from the food we eat. In addition to these classic signs, many people with celiac disease also experience unusual joint pain and unexplained fatigue. Diarrhea is another common symptom, as is the tendency to lose weight.
In addition to symptoms, your doctor may also run tests to determine whether you have the disease. A blood test will check for antibodies to the protein gluten. A biopsy of the small intestine is also performed, which will determine whether or not the villi are damaged and if you have low iron levels.
The cause of celiac disease is still unknown, but there are many risk factors that contribute to its development. Other risk factors include poor infant-feeding practices, gastrointestinal infections, and gut bacteria. In some cases, the disease may be acquired after pregnancy, childbirth, or severe emotional stress. In any event, the treatment of celiac disease involves avoiding gluten.
Although digestive symptoms are usually the most common early signs of celiac disease, many people also experience skin-related symptoms. These typically take the form of an itchy blistering rash, known as dermatitis herpetiformis. Despite the many possible symptoms of celiac disease, some patients do not report any of these symptoms. In fact, fewer than 10 percent of people who had the disease reported any digestive symptoms.
Other symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Inflammation of the digestive tract and gas are also common. Patients may also experience bloating, excessive flatulence, and lactose intolerance. The symptoms of celiac disease may range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of celiac disease vary, but most commonly appear in adults. However, in some cases, these symptoms are unrelated to the disease itself. However, some people may be able to eat gluten-free foods without experiencing any of these symptoms.
Diagnosis
A biopsy is the standard method of diagnosis for celiac disease. The biopsy examines tissue from the upper small intestine to look for damage and inflammation associated with celiac disease. The doctor will use an endoscope to collect tissue samples. It usually takes less than half an hour. You will be given sedation or local anesthesia for the procedure.
The symptoms of celiac disease vary, depending on the etiology of the disease. In children, symptoms include failure to thrive, developmental delays, and evidence of malnutrition. Adults may experience fatigue, weight loss, and generalized arthralgias. In addition, patients with celiac disease may experience diarrhea or vomiting, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain.
Diagnosis of Celiac disease may involve several tests. If you have been told that you have DQ2, DQ8 or both, your doctor may suggest screening you for additional tests. In some cases, you may need additional tests, including an endoscopy or genetic testing. Although most doctors do not routinely screen for celiac disease, it is worth discussing with your doctor about the potential for this condition.
The most important thing to remember is that it is best to consult a dietitian and join a support group if you suspect you have the disease. Usually, symptoms of the disease will disappear within a week or two after you have stopped eating gluten. However, small amounts of gluten can induce a relapse.
Diagnosis of Celiac disease is made by a doctor and will include testing for a specific gene. During a biopsy, the doctor will take samples of cheek cells or blood. In these cases, a pathologist will look for genetic markers that are linked to celiac disease. If you don’t have these gene variants, you are not likely to have the disease.
Diagnosis of Celiac disease is sometimes tricky because it affects every part of the body. Often, you may not experience any symptoms, but your doctor can use your medical history and blood tests to make a positive diagnosis. A biopsy of the small intestine may also be necessary.
Treatment
Celiac disease treatment involves a strict diet free of gluten. In many cases, this diet is difficult to follow, but the goal is to eliminate gluten from your life. The first step in treatment is diagnosis, and a thorough investigation by a physician can reveal whether or not you have this disease. Testing for the disease can include a blood test, a small bowel biopsy, and other tests. While it can be difficult to follow a strict gluten-free diet, many people experience improvement in symptoms after a few months.
However, in rare cases, you may develop symptoms that don’t respond to standard treatments. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe drugs to suppress your body’s abnormal immune response. These drugs are not suitable for all patients, and they are only indicated for those with long-term symptoms. Some of these drugs are glucocorticoids, which include prednisolone and budesonide.
Currently, there are 22 potential therapies in development. Some are designed to improve the digestion of gluten, while others may target the immune system. These drugs could be used alone or in combination to treat the disease. Some have helped children with MIS-C, and they are now being tested for use in children with autoimmune diseases.
People with coeliac disease may experience various skin disorders, including dermatitis herpetiformis, which is characterized by intense itching. Some individuals may even experience painful, fluid-filled blisters. Dermatitis herpetiformis typically clears up after the patient has completely stopped eating gluten.
While there is no specific cure for celiac disease, it is important to understand the disease and how to live with it. People who suffer from the disease should consult a doctor as soon as possible. A diagnosis may be necessary and treatment is based on the severity of symptoms. If left untreated, the disease can lead to a life-threatening illness.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Patients with celiac disease often suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies are caused by damage to the cells of the small intestine. This can lead to a number of nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and accelerated bone loss. This is why experts in celiac disease recommend monitoring nutritional status and supplementing as needed.
Newly diagnosed CD patients are more likely to have zinc, copper, folate, and albumin deficiencies. In addition, patients often have low levels of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B-12. These deficiencies are not always a cause of Celiac disease, but can exacerbate the symptoms of the disease.
Many studies show that despite the long GFD, some patients continue to experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Iron, magnesium, and zinc deficiencies are common in celiac disease patients, but they may persist after a GFD. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, and thiamine may all be deficient in celiac patients.
The main effects of a gluten-free diet include reduced energy intake, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. One study in the Netherlands found that patients with celiac disease had significantly lower vitamin and mineral levels compared to those on a traditional diet. It also found that women with celiac disease were more likely to suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in celiac disease can lead to a variety of medical complications. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease and is often associated with increased bone fragility and osteoporosis. In some cases, vitamin D deficiency may be due to inadequate pancreatic enzyme secretion.
In adults with celiac disease, vitamin and mineral deficiencies may cause anemia, which is a lack of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin D is needed for proper bone growth and absorption of calcium and magnesium. Vitamin deficiencies in celiac disease may cause birth defects.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in celiac disease can be treated by supplementation. Supplemental multi-vitamins, probiotics, and Omega-3 fats can all be helpful in improving overall nutrition. Vitamin and mineral supplements should be an integral part of the treatment process.
