Celiac disease is a severe autoimmune disorder that can cause various health problems if left untreated. If you are one of the estimated 1 in 133 Americans with celiac disease, then you know how important it is to understand this condition. This article discusses all aspects of celiac disease, from its symptoms to its treatment, in hopes that by reading this article, you will better understand celiac disease and how to manage it.
What Is Celiac Disease
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Celiac disease is a condition that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. For people with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine; this response damages the villi, which are fingerlike projections that line the small intestine and help absorb nutrients from food—leading to malabsorption, a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors For Celiac Disease
Although there is no exact science to understand the cause of this condition, there are several risk factors for celiac disease. Genetic factors seem to play a role, as the disease is more common in people with certain genes. Environmental factors may also contribute, as celiac disease is more common in countries where wheat is a diet staple.
Other risk factors include having another autoimmune disorder, such as Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease, and viral infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or rotavirus. While anyone can develop celiac disease, these risk factors may increase your chances of developing the condition.
Symptoms Of Celiac Disease
For many people, the symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly, making it difficult to diagnose. However, there are some common symptoms that everyone should be aware of:
Fatigue
For people with celiac disease, fatigue is a common symptom. The fatigue is from the immune reaction to gluten, which damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents the absorption of nutrients. When nutrients are not absorbed properly, the body does not have the energy it needs to function optimally. In addition, celiac disease can also cause anemia, which can further contribute to fatigue.
Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in red blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the body’s oxygen supply. People with celiac disease can develop anemia due to their damaged intestines being unable to absorb enough iron from food.
Diarrhea
When celiac disease is untreated, it can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease. The damage to the small intestine caused by gluten prevents the absorption of nutrients, resulting in loose and frequent bowel movements. But that may not be the only cause. Celiac disease can also trigger inflammation and mucus production in the intestines.
When the immune system reacts to gluten, it can produce inflammation-causing chemicals that damage the lining of the intestine, resulting in diarrhea. If you are experiencing chronic diarrhea and suspect that you may have celiac disease, it is essential to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
