General Information About Celiac Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a systemic disease where the body initiates an allergic/autoimmune attack against a protein called gluten, flattening the microscopic brush-like structures (villi) on the inner lining of the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed.
No. Because the intestines cannot absorb nutrients, the individual becomes deficient in vitamins and iron regardless of what they eat. This leads to systemic issues such as anemia, osteoporosis, short stature in children, infertility, and skin rashes.
Symptoms include severe abdominal bloating that starts after consuming gluten, gas, persistent chronic diarrhea or sometimes constipation, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
In gluten sensitivity, the individual feels bloating and discomfort upon eating gluten, but their small intestines are not physically destroyed. In celiac disease, there is physical destruction and an autoimmune attack.
Initially, blood tests are performed to check for Celiac-specific antibodies (Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase). If the blood test is positive, an Endoscopy is performed under anesthesia for definitive diagnosis; a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken from the small intestine, and the destruction of the villi is confirmed via pathology.
There is no medical drug for the disease. The only and definitive treatment is to follow a 100% Gluten-Free Diet for life. When the diet is adhered to, the intestines completely repair themselves, and all complaints disappear.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
