Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system and is triggered by consuming gluten. Here are the key points about celiac disease:
- Definition:
- It’s an autoimmune disease where eating gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
- Occurs in genetically predisposed people.
- Trigger:
- Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
- Mechanism:
- When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine.
- This damages the villi, small projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients.
- Prevalence:
- Estimated to affect about 1% of people worldwide.
- Many cases remain undiagnosed.
- Symptoms:
- Can include digestive issues like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation.
- May also cause non-digestive symptoms like fatigue, anemia, osteoporosis, and neurological problems.
- Some people may have no noticeable symptoms.
- Diagnosis:
- Blood tests to detect certain antibodies.
- Biopsy of the small intestine to confirm damage.
- Treatment:
- Strict, lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.
- There is no cure, but the diet can effectively manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Complications if untreated:
- Malnutrition
- Osteoporosis
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Other autoimmune disorders
- Genetic component:
- More likely in people with certain genes.
- Having a first-degree relative with celiac disease increases risk.
Celiac disease is different from gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy, as it involves specific immune responses and intestinal damage.
Citations:
[1] https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/
[2] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease
[3] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/definition-facts
[4] https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/celiac-disease
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/celiacdisease.html
[6] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/celiac-disease
[7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352220
[8] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14240-celiac-disease