A Brief Overview of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, commonly referred to as CD is a digestive disorder in which the individual suffers from health problems caused by consuming glutens. Gluten is a protein that is found in certain types of wheat such as barley and rye, to name a few. If this protein is not eliminated from the diet of those with celiac disease, damage can occur to the bowel even when symptoms are not present. Contrary to popular belief, celiac disease affects a variety of people.

How serious can CD become? Anemia, early onset of osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, and nervous system disorders can all be caused from Celiac disease. In some of these patients cancer of the GI tract can occur and the pancreas and gall bladder can also be affected. This may include a malfunctioning of either of these organs. A study by the New York City - Columbia Presbyterian University suggests that nearly 75% of newly diagnosed patients have already suffered from some degree of bone loss. As a matter of fact, osteoporosis is the most common issue with celiac disease.

Celiac disease is not an allergy, it is considered an autoimmune disease. Gluten sensitive enteropathy, the cause of the disease is still not widely understood. No one knows exactly what causes this. However, heredity is closely linked with the likelihood of whether or not one will have this disease. Those who have a family history of CD are much more likely to have it. The Celiac Disease Foundation estimates that one out of every 133 people may suffer from this condition.

Symptoms of CD will often vary by the patient. Although many of these may be very obvious, some aren't. Abdominal pain and/or bloating with on/off again diarrhea can all be rather common. Other symptoms may not present themselves in this manner. These may include tingling of the legs and/or feet, joint pain, depression, stomach cramps and depression. Since these particular symptoms can be present with a variety of disorders, they can be very misleading. This in part is why celiac disease can be so difficult to diagnose.

There are two main tests for celiac disease, a blood test and a gluten free diet. Blood tests are useful in detecting the presence of this disease because those with it are more likely to have an elevated number of particular antibodies. If this is the case, the doctor may then decide to perform a test known as endoscopy. Examining intestinal tissue in this manner can then confirm or deny a diagnosis. Keep in mind, the gluten free diet is not a means to self diagnose. Doing this can alter other tests performed by the physician and can alter the diagnosis.

The most common treatment for celiac disease is the alteration of the patients diet. This can effectively subside the symptoms and prevent further damage. Most patients report decreased symptoms in as little as a few days of changing their diet. However, there is not a known cure for CD. At most the side effects, symptoms, and damage to the body can only be managed.

Only a physician should make a diagnosis of celiac disease. There are many conditions which may have the same symptoms and present itself in this fashion. Keeping track of symptoms, when they occur, and what you have eaten can really clue the physician in to the problem. For more helpful information or to find a doctor near you, visit www.celiac.org.

Celiac Disease Foundation. 2009. www.celiac.org/cd-studies.php.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2009. www.mayoclinic.com