Celiac - Gluten Sensitivity
What Is Celiac?
Celiac disease, commonly called gluten intolerance, gluten sensitive enteropathy, or celiac sprue is a genetic disorder in which gluten (a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats) is not properly metabolized by the body.
How Does Celiac Affect The Body?
The villi along the walls of the intestines are like small fingers which aid the body in digesting food. In a person with celiac disease, the villi in the first few feet of the small intestine are shortened or completely flattened by foods containing gluten. Because the surface area of the intestinal wall is decreased, the body cannot absorb nutrients as efficiently. This lack of nutrients can cause a wide variety of symptoms, making celiac disease difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
A variety of gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms can be caused by celiac, though some individuals may suffer from only nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms may include:
- weight loss
- diarrhea
- weakness
- fatigue
- depression
- anemia
- chronic constipation
- abdominal cramps
- flatulence
- vomiting
- in children, failure to gain weight
If not detected, celiac can lead to more serious complications, including:
- arthritis
- diabetes
- ulcers
- osteoporosis
- liver disease
- nervous system disorders
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Should I See A Doctor?
Celiac disease frequently goes undiagnosed because of the broad scope of its symptoms. It is most commonly found in people of European descent, less often in Asian and black populations. If you have a close relative who has been diagnosed celiac, consult your doctor. It is a genetic disorder, and is believed to be hereditary.
While a person may carry the genetic information for celiac his entire life, he may not develop symptoms in childhood. Symptoms may not manifest themselves until adolescence or adulthood. Frequently, the disease is triggered by puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or stress on the body such as major surgery or certain viruses.
How Is Celiac Diagnosed?
Two tests are performed in order to diagnose celiac disease. First, a blood test screens for gluten antibodies. Next, an intestinal biopsy must be performed to assess any damage to the villi.
Treatment for Celiac Disease
Unfortunately, there are currently no medications to control or cure celiac disease. However, it can be controlled by adhering to a gluten-free diet. Eliminating gluten from the diet allows damaged intestinal villi to heal. There are many resources and support groups available for people suffering from the disease and for parents of children with celiac. Additionally, research continues into its cause and treatment.
The University of Utah Genetics Epidemiology Department is conducting studies to locate the gene responsible for this condition. For more information, and several celiac resources, visit HealthSurfing.com.
For more information about these and other health topics, call UT Medical Group at
901-448-6610.
Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately.
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