Celiac Disease

Overview

What is a Celiac Disease? 

Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, is a chronic autoimmune disease. Celiac disease foundation lies where the body’s immune system reacts badly when an individual eats gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction harms the lining of the small intestine, specifically tiny finger-like parts called villi. Villi are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. When they get damaged, the body struggles to absorb nutrients properly, causing various symptoms and possible long-term health issues. Individuals with untreated celiac disease frequently develop lactose intolerance. However, there is a study that shows that your chances of developing another autoimmune condition increase with untreated celiac disease.

What is Refractory Celiac Disease?

Refractory celiac disease is a rare form of celiac disease where symptoms persist or recur despite a strict gluten free diet. It often requires additional medical intervention, as it may involve severe intestinal damage and an increased risk of complications such as lymphoma. The disease is triggered by eating foods containing gluten. The disease can cause long-lasting digestive problems and keep your body from getting all the nutrients it needs.

Causes

Celiac disease happens when your body’s immune system reacts badly to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Here are reasons why Celiac Disease causes:

Genetic Factors

Some genes, such as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 increase the risk of developing celiac disease when gluten is consumed. 

Eating Gluten

Gluten in foods triggers celiac disease. When someone with the genes eats gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the intestine. 

Immune System Reaction

The immune system responds to gluten by making special antibodies and attacking the intestine, which leads to problems absorbing nutrients.

Timing of Gluten Introduction

When babies start eating gluten too early or too late, it might increase their chances of getting celiac disease if they have the genes for it.

Environmental Triggers

Things like viral infections or changes in gut bacteria can also play a role in causing or worsening celiac disease.

What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease? 

Celiac disease has various symptoms that can affect digestion and other parts of the body:

Digestive Diseases Symptoms

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Bloating, gas
• Constipation
• Nausea, vomiting
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

Malabsorption Symptoms

•   Unintended weight loss
•   Fatigue, weakness
•   Deficiency in vitamins and minerals leads to bone pain, muscle cramps

Skin Symptoms

• Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease rash)

Neurological and Psychological Symptoms

• Headaches
• Numbness, tingling in hands and feet
• Anxiety, depression, mood swings

Other Celiac Disease Symptoms

• Joint pain, stiffness
• Delayed puberty, menstrual irregularities
• Mouth ulcers

How Does Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Cause?

Autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and dysfunction.

What are the early warning signs of Celiac disease in women? 

Early celiac disease symptoms in females include digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, as well as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or irregular menstrual periods. 

When Does Celiac Disease Develop?

Celiac disease can develop at any age after consuming gluten, though it often appears in childhood or early adulthood. It is triggered by genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Diagnosis

Celiac disease can be hard to diagnose. Its symptoms may seem like symptoms of other digestive system problems such as Crohn’s disease or Irritable bowel syndrome. But still, healthcare professionals diagnose this through different tests. However, Celiac Disease diagnosis involves several steps to understand symptoms, conduct specific tests, and confirm the condition:

Assessment

Physicians start by looking at your medical and family history and signs of celiac disease. They ask about stomach problems like diarrhea, pain, or bloating, as well as other signs like tiredness, skin issues, or joint pain. They also check if anyone in your family has celiac disease or other autoimmune disorders.

Blood Tests

Doctors diagnose celiac disease with a blood test. They check for certain antibodies linked to celiac disease:

• IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody: This test is very good at detecting celiac disease.
• Total serum IgA: This checks for an IgA deficiency that could affect test results.
• IgA anti-endomysial antibody (EMA) test: This test is also specific for celiac disease.

You need to keep eating gluten before these tests to get accurate results.

Genetic Testing

Genetic tests can find specific genes (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) linked to celiac disease, but this alone can’t diagnose it because many people have these genes without having the disease.

Small Intestine Biopsy

If blood tests suggest celiac disease, a small piece of the small intestine is taken during a procedure called an upper endoscopy. The tissue is checked under a microscope for signs like flattened villi, which are typical of celiac disease.

Trying a Gluten-Free Diet (Optional)

Sometimes, if the diagnosis isn’t clear, the physician may suggest trying a strict gluten free diet. If symptoms improve and blood tests get better on this diet, it supports the diagnosis of celiac disease.

Other Tests

Depending on your celiac disease side effects, physicians may do more tests to rule out other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or gluten sensitivity.

How to Treat Celiac Disease

The main Celiac Disease treatments include: 

Gluten-Free Diet

• Stay away from wheat, barley, rye, and contaminated oats.
• Choose gluten-free grains like rice, corn, quinoa, and certified gluten-free oats.
• Check labels for hidden gluten in processed foods, sauces, and medicines.

Nutritional Guidance

• Work with a dietitian to plan a balanced gluten-free diet.
• Address any nutrient deficiencies like iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12, and folate.

Regular Check-Ups

• See your healthcare provider or dietitian regularly to monitor symptoms and nutrient levels.
• Get a blood test for celiac disease to track progress and make sure you’re sticking to the gluten-free diet.

Medications (if needed)

• Take supplements for any nutrient deficiencies.

When To See A Doctor

If you’ve had diarrhea or ongoing stomach issues for more than two weeks, visit your primary care physician. Before going gluten-free, you ask your physician. Changing your diet before a celiac disease test can affect the results.

Celiac disease often runs in families. If a family member has it or if you have risk factors like type 1 diabetes, consult your physician about testing for celiac disease. Finding it early is important for your health.

Summary 

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts adversely to gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—leading to damage in the small intestine. This immune response harms the villi, tiny structures in the intestine responsible for nutrient absorption. Consequently, affected individuals experience a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, unintended weight loss, and fatigue. Additionally, skin rashes, neurological symptoms, and other health issues may arise.

Refractory celiac disease is a rare and severe form where symptoms persist despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. It can lead to serious complications such as lymphoma. This condition affects approximately 1% of people with celiac disease.

Celiac disease is influenced by genetic factors, notably the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, which are found in over 95% of individuals with the condition. Environmental triggers, such as viral infections, may also play a role in its development. The disease affects about 1 in 100 people globally, but it is more common in individuals with a family history of the condition or associated autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes.

Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, conducting blood tests for specific antibodies (such as anti-tTG), genetic testing, and performing a small intestine biopsy if needed. Treatment focuses on maintaining a strict gluten-free diet, and avoiding gluten-containing grains and processed foods. Nutritional counseling and regular follow-ups are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing deficiencies. Supplements may be required if nutrient deficiencies are identified.

Early diagnosis and adherence to a gluten-free diet are vital for managing celiac disease and preventing complications. Individuals with persistent digestive issues should consult a healthcare provider before making dietary changes, as this can affect diagnostic results. Given the hereditary nature of the disease, family members of affected individuals, especially those with risk factors like type 1 diabetes, should consider testing. 

-Disclaimer-

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about Celiac disease or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.