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Celiac Disease "What is it"10/10/2003
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What is Celiac disease?
An individual suffers from celiac disease if he or she is unable to tolerat gluten, a protein found in Wheat, barley, rye and possible oats and foods made from any of these grains.
A specific fraction of gluten called gliadin, damages the lining of the small intestine, reducing its ability to absorb food and nutrients.
Normally the lining of the small intestine is made of tiny, finger like projections called villi, which provide a large surface area for absorption. In a person with celiac disease, the villi are damaged and flatten. Foods are subsequently not absorbed causing the sypmtoms.
What are the symptoms ?
The main symptoms are weight loss, diarrhea and fatigue. Others included intestinal gas, abdominal cramping, mouth ulcers, irritability. Some patients may present with only iron deficiency from the malabsorption of iron in the small intestine.
How is Celiac disease diagnosed?
Blood tests which show poor absorption of vitamins, and minerals, may suggest that the disease is present. There are also screening blood tests that can be done. The gold standard is a small bowel biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is removed from the small bowel lining. Examination of the tissue under the microscope reveals flattened villi.
How is Celiac treated?
Removing all gluten containing foods from the diet allows the small intestine to repair most of the damage. Improvement begins within days and with a continued gluten- free diet the bowel returns to normal.
How can I avoid Gluten?
Many common foods such a sbread, caks, pasta and breakfast cereals contain gluten. In addition occaisionally condiments, luncheon meats and some prepared soups may contain gluten. It is important for patients with Celiac disease to become Label readers.
The diet of Celiacs will be based on naturally gluten-free products such as rice,potato,corn,tapioca,soy.
Unprocessed fresh or frozen meat,fish,fruits,vegetables,dried beans and dairy products are gluten free.
Always consult you doctor about these issues so that an accurate diagnosis is made and fast recovery is expected.
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