Celiac Disease: A Diagnosis Unknown and Difficult to Recognize

Celiac disease has always been difficult to diagnose. Most often, celiac disease is confused for irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerant. Most people go through life undiagnosed, unknowing the underlying cause of their stomach and health problems. Today, it is becoming more recognizable and patients are now getting the education and treatment they need

So what is celiac disease? It has to do with the digestive system. An important part of the digestive system is the small intestine. In the small intestine, there are millions of finger like projections called villi and nutrients are absorbed into your body through these villi. In people who suffer from celiac disease, their body has a reaction to gluten. Whenever they eat foods containing gluten, their body reacts to this gluten and, an immune system reaction to the protein will gradually damage the villi in the small intestine, therefore they are unable to absorb the vitamins and other nutrients they need to remain healthy. Patients with celiac disease are at a high risk for anemia, malnutrition and osteoporosis.

Children with celiac disease may not grow properly and suffer from weight loss and fatigue if gone undiagnosed. Also, people with celiac may be at risk for diabetes, thyroid disorders and gastrointestinal cancer as well. It is unknown what causes celiac disease but experts do know that it is genetic. Generally, there will be more than one member of a family who suffer from celiac disease.

Some common symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Patients usually report feeling very fatigued, some feel irritable or depressed as well. Stress can also cause symptoms to become more intense. Some may not show any symptoms until they go through and emotional or physically stressing event.

Celiac disease is diagnosed with a series of tests. Usually they will start with a simple blood test that measures the level of antibodies to gluten and to other proteins in the intestinal lining. If they suspect celiac disease, your doctor may want to do an endoscopic procedure which is a procedure using a small tubular scope through the mouth and stomach into the small intestine to take a look and usually take a small tissue sample for biopsy to be sent to the laboratory for testing.

If one is found to have celiac disease, treatment will be under way. Although there is no cure for the disease, management can be successful by following a gluten - free diet. A patient will need to follow the diet for life. Many foods from breads, cereals, and lunch meat contain gluten so it is extremely important that the patient with celiac disease receives the much needed education. A dietitian counselor may be assigned to the patient in order to educate them on what foods contain gluten and how to read the labels on food packaging to identify gluten as it may be listed under other names.

Most patients report feeling much better after just a few days on their new diet. However, this does not mean the patient can resume eating foods with gluten. The good news is that celiac disease is becoming more recognized and you may be able to find an aisle in your local grocery store that carry gluten - free products. There are support groups for celiac disease and you can find gluten free cookbooks to assist you with your diet needs. Following a gluten - free diet is a life long commitment and must be followed or symptoms will return. Children with celiac disease need to have the education as well so they can identify what they can and cannot eat. Children and teens are more likely to "cheat" on their diet, especially in a social setting.

If you suspect you have celiac disease, consult with your physician as soon as possible to confirm your suspicions. Many physicians are not very aware of celiac disease and may diagnose you with irritable bowel syndrome instead, so it is very important you speak with your doctor about your suspicions of celiac disease.