There is a growing awareness of a genetic disorder that affects over two million people in the United States alone. While originally thought to be a relatively rare problem of childhood, its symptoms can mimic those of many other illnesses. Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine, and inhibits nutrient absorption. It is characterized by an intolerance to gluten, a component of grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.
Although genetically based, it can be triggered by physical or emotional trauma, including a severe infection, the changes that accompany pregnancy and childbirth, or even surgery. Adults and children alike may suffer from the digestive problems it typically produces. Chronic abdominal pain and bloating after meals, abnormal diarrhea, constipation and vomiting, unintentional weight loss, and foul smelling stools are all common indicators.
It can be especially damaging to children, and those who experience it are also often lactose intolerant. During the years most important to childhood growth and development, this inability to process some foods causes symptoms of malnutrition. Infants and children are often constantly irritable, and fail to thrive in general. Growth may be stunted, enamel on permanent teeth may be thin, and the onset of puberty delayed.
Without treatment, adults with this syndrome also experience osteoporosis, anemia, and problems during pregnancy. Although adult symptoms may be mild or nonexistent for years, they may later show up as unexplained iron deficiencies, joint pain and fatigue, constant tingling of the nerves in the hands and feet, missed menstrual periods or miscarriages, oral canker sores, and dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy, persistent rash.
Because these same problems may be present in other ailments, years can pass before a correct diagnosis emerges. Some sufferers in the past were erroneously thought to have irritable bowel or chronic fatigue syndrome, or infections of the intestines including diverticulitis. The common link, however, is permanent damage to the intestinal villi, small finger-like structures that absorb nutrients.
New blood tests can tell whether or not there are high levels of certain types of anti-tissue antibodies that are produced as a reaction to dietary gluten. Some people with active symptoms may still test negative, and in those cases a small intestine biopsy may be required for absolute proof. The results of this endoscopic procedure can show the extent of any damage already present in the villi.
Happily, there is a way to control this chronic issue by permanently avoiding products that contain gluten, a naturally occurring grain protein that is not considered harmful under normal circumstance. It helps gives most baked goods their texture, structure, and cohesion. Gluten is also used as a food stabilizer and thickener, and is even found in the coating of some pills.
In recent years, experimentation has produced new recipes for breads and other baked goods that are comparable in quality and appeal to those containing gluten, and many of these products are now easy to find on the shelves of major grocery chains, as well as in whole foods markets and health food stores. Celiac disease causes and treatment are no longer a mystery, allowing people with the disease to live symptom-free.
Related Articles
Discover The Celiac Disease Foods To Consume And AvoidIf you are looking for a list of celiac disease foods, avoid most grains except corn, rice, soy, and beans. Fresh meats, dairy, and vegetables are fine to eat. Choose flours that do not employ wheat, rye, or multi-grain.
Looking For A Celiac Disease Cure
At present, the medical community does not have a celiac disease cure. However, there are a lot of things that you can do to lead a productive and pain free existence. Here is a look at this disorder and what can be done about it.
