Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a genetic, long-term digestive condition and an autoimmune disorder initiated by eating foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein present in wheat, rye, barley, and in various prepared foods like pasta, cakes, bread, and breakfast cereals.

Celiac disease causes significant intestinal damage, which impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively and causes an immune response that can affect multiple body systems.

Symptoms of celiac disease

Symptoms may be different in every individual and may range from mild to serious. Common celiac disease symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, feeling bloated, bowel movements that are oily and float. lack of appetite, unexplained low blood count (iron deficiency anaemia), tingling sensation or numbness in the legs, infertility, osteoporosis or osteopenia, liver disease, and an itchy rash.

Celiac disease symptoms may be similar to other health conditions. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor for a professional opinion.

Risk factors

The reasons why people develop celiac disease are not completely understood. However, some factors are known to elevate your risk of developing celiac disease, i.e., family history and environmental factors.

Celiac disease typically runs in families. If you have a close relative, such as a parent or a sibling with celiac disease, you have a higher possibility of developing this condition.

If you have a digestive system infection (such as a rotavirus infection) during early childhood, the chances of you developing celiac disease elevate. Most experts suggest only introducing gluten-containing foods to your child when your child is at least six months old. Additionally, there might also be an increased possibility of babies developing celiac disease if they are not being breastfed when gluten is introduced into their diet.

Diagnosing celiac disease

A combination of medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests are involved in diagnosing celiac disease.

Blood tests are done to measure certain antibodies that are typically increased in individuals with celiac disease. Individuals with celiac disease have higher than normal levels of these cells.

Your doctor may also perform a small intestine biopsy by extracting a small tissue sample from your small intestine to check for damage to the villi. This procedure is done by using a long, slender tube called an endoscope that is inserted through your mouth, down to your stomach, and into your small intestine. A tissue example is extracted using tools passed through the tube, which is then sent for examination in a lab to determine if one has celiac disease.

Treatment and management

A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the main treatment for celiac disease. This method enables the small intestine to recover, prevents additional damage, and eases symptoms. Getting rid of gluten from your diet typically stops your symptoms and prevents additional damage.

Eliminating gluten from your diet can be difficult as gluten is present in a wide range of foods. It can be found in condiments, salad dressings, and other unassuming foods. Your doctor may direct you to consult a dietitian due to this reason. 

Individuals must also be mindful about preventing cross-contamination with foods that contain gluten. The act of using separate cooking utensils, toasters, cutting boards, and careful food preparation practices should be taken seriously, especially while dining out or cooking in shared kitchens. Kitchen tools used for preparing gluten and gluten-free foods should be separated as a precaution. Opt for restaurants that offer gluten-free menus if you plan to dine out.

Constantly checking and reading ingredient labels on food products and non-food products like medications, vitamins, supplements, and probiotics are crucial because there is a possibility that wheat or a wheat byproduct is found in them.

Book an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Consult our doctors if you are showing celiac disease symptoms. A dedicated and expert team of Gastroenterologists at Gleneagles Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding celiac disease. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.