Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disease. In patients with celiac disease, the immune system attacks the small intestine in response to consuming gluten, which is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. This leads to damage to the small intestine. This damage can become severe over time and lead to serious health problems. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, it affects an estimated 1 in 100 people globally.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

 

The symptoms are usually gastrointestinal in nature, although many patients experience other symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, anemia, and other symptoms unrelated to the digestive system.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive gas
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

Risk Factors, Diagnosis & Treatment

 

The Celiac Disease Foundation reports a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease for first-degree relatives of people with celiac disease. It can occur at any age. Celiac disease is diagnosed via blood tests and sometimes a biopsy of the small intestine. There is no cure or medication available for celiac disease. The only treatment is adhering to a gluten-free diet. Even consuming trace amounts of gluten can cause damage to the small intestine, so strict adherence is key.

Health Risks for Patients with Celiac Disease

 

People living with celiac disease are at risk for other health conditions. The risk of developing coronary artery disease for celiac patients is twice the average risk. They also have a 4x greater than average risk of developing cancer of the small intestines.

Undiagnosed (and therefore untreated) celiac disease can lead to a wide range of health conditions, including:

  • Malnutrition
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiency
  • Anemia
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Liver disease
  • Pancreatic insufficiency
  • Heart disease
  • Other autoimmune diseases
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Infertility
  • Osteoporosis
  • Intestinal cancers
  • Neurological conditions

When To See A Doctor

 

The only way to diagnose celiac disease is to be tested. You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have any symptoms of celiac disease that last for more than two weeks.

A number of health conditions can cause these symptoms; however, testing is required to rule out celiac disease. If you suspect gluten is causing your problems, it is important that you see your doctor before eliminating gluten from your diet for accurate testing.

The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the GI tract. Our Board-Certified physicians have over 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md/appointment-request/.