Celiac disease is difficult to diagnose since it affects people differently and has varying symptoms. Some people have several symptoms, while others have none. However, gluten exposure causes the same harm to those with celiac disease, regardless of their symptoms.
Symptoms
More than 200 celiac disease symptoms exist, affecting the digestive tract and other organs. Most celiac patients have one or more symptoms. Gluten (bye, beer!) frequently worsens these symptoms.
GI issues are the most prevalent celiac symptoms. Adults are more prone to them than children. Celiac disease digestive symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pain in the abdomen
- Gas
- Chronic diarrhea
- Loose, greasy stools
- Constipation
- Lactose intolerance owing to small intestine injury
- Nausea or vomiting
Conversely, some patients with celiac disease have inexplicable symptoms that create issues elsewhere in the body. These are generally caused by an overactive immune system or dietary deficits. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue, lethargy, or tiredness
- Dry, itchy rash on the scalp or elbows (Dermatitis herpetiformis).
- Symptoms of a dry mouth or a red, glossy tongue.
- Anxiety or depression
Untreated celiac disease can worsen, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are critical! Untreated celiac disease can lead to:
- Accelerated osteoporosis
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Deficiencies in vitamins and
- Lymphoma and other gastrointestinal cancers.
- Seizures, dementia, migraines. neuropathic myopathy
HOW IS COELIAC DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
The doctor will examine you and take your medical history. If they suspect celiac disease, they will:
Blood tests: These tests will check for antibodies that are symptomatic of celiac disease and must be performed while gluten-containing foods are still being consumed by the patient. A positive blood test, on the other hand, does not rule out the possibility of a misdiagnosis.
Endoscopy: This is done if the result is positive, or if the result is negative but there is still a chance of celiac disease. Endoscopy includes inserting a thin, flexible tube into your mouth and down into your intestines to obtain biopsies. It is not unpleasant to pass the tube or take biopsies. Biopsy samples will reveal aberrant villi and confirm the diagnosis. A second endoscopy and biopsy may be recommended if the diagnosis is questionable.
Coeliac disease therapy involves a lifelong specific diet, and accurate diagnosis is critical. Endoscopy is the only way to be sure.
Complications From Celiac Disease
Celiac disease affects an estimated 2.5 million people in the United States, according to the CDF. Untreated celiac disease can cause various health issues in the body. These are some examples:
- Weakening of the bone
- Intestinal lymphoma and small bowel cancer are examples of cancer.
- Itchy rash on the elbows and knees, Dermatitis herpetiformis.
- Miscarriage and infertility.
- Lactose sensitivity.
- peripheral neuropathy and other nervous system issues. People who had this experience report experiencing tingling or burning in their hands or feet.
- Deficiencies in calcium, folate, and vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K.
- Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Sjögren’s disease are all examples of other autoimmune illnesses.
Treatment
Most people find that avoiding gluten considerably reduces their symptoms. It heals the gut.
diaminodiphenyl sulfone (Dapsone) can help those with dermatitis herpetiformis. A gluten-free diet is still required to repair the gut.
Vitamin and mineral supplements may help people with celiac disease avoid or correct deficits.
Researchers are still working on pharmacological solutions to relieve celiac disease symptoms and enhance long-term prospects. The Celiac Disease Foundation has further details on prospective therapies.
Diet
Changing to a gluten-free diet usually alleviates symptoms within days or weeks.
The small intestine recovers about 3–6 months in youngsters.
Authenticity. Adults might take years to fully recuperate. The body can adequately absorb nutrients from meals after the gut recovers.
In certain regions of the globe, gluten-free foods are becoming more readily available.
The trick is to know which meals and goods, including toothpaste, contain gluten. A dietician can help.
Eat and avoid
Wheat, rye, and barley all contain gluten. Gluten is found in most cereals, grains, pasta, and processed meals. It’s in beer and other grain-based alcoholic beverages.
Check labels because gluten can be found in unexpected goods.
Non-gluten foods include:
- mutton and fish
- veg and fruits
- such as quinoa and buckwheat.
- a rice flour
- maize, millet, sorghum, and teff
- gluten-free spaghetti, bread, baked goods, etc.
- Gluten may be removed from recipes by changing ingredients and altering baking time and temperature.
Should everyone eat gluten-free?
Gluten-free diets have gained popularity recently. This diet may assist persons with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but not everyone.
A gluten-free diet for weight reduction or better health is not recommended by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesTrusted Source.
Gluten-containing foods can be rich in vitamins and minerals including fiber, iron, and calcium. Consult your doctor before avoiding certain foods, as they might cause vitamin shortages.
So, to summarize…
Gluten causes damage to the small intestine in celiac disease, but there are strategies to manage it. Celiac disease patients must live gluten-free their entire lives. Even a few breadcrumbs might cause intestinal injury. Hence, avoiding gluten and cross-contamination is critical to decreasing symptoms. While this isn’t always simple, there are solutions and wonderful dietary alternatives available, as well as guidance from a dietician.
Try Holy Crap Cereals for some new gluten-free goods to add to your cupboard! No artificial flavors or preservatives are used at Holy Crap. Try our gluten-free cereals that are versatile enough to enjoy with any meal and are packed with superfoods!