Dear Readers, in our series of articles on Autoimmune Disorders, in this article we will be moving one step further in our journey. In this article, we will be discussing Celiac Disease, its symptoms, Diagnosis and cure in detail.
What is celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a condition where eating gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers the body’s immune system, causing harm to the small intestine. This damage affects how nutrients are absorbed from food. It leads to various symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, diarrhoea, tiredness, and skin issues. It’s not an allergy or a food intolerance, but an autoimmune condition. Some people might not notice any symptoms, making it tricky to diagnose. Doctors use blood tests and sometimes a biopsy to confirm it. The main treatment for celiac disease is following a strict gluten-free diet, which means avoiding foods like bread, pasta, and some sauces that contain gluten. Managing celiac disease means being careful with what you eat to feel better and stay healthy.
What are Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune diseases happen when the body’s immune system, which normally guards us from germs, starts attacking its own healthy cells by mistake. It’s like the body gets confused and can’t tell the difference between good cells and harmful ones. This causes the immune system to attack organs, tissues, and other parts of the body, leading to various health problems. There are lots of different autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. Symptoms can vary but often include tiredness, pain, and swelling. Doctors use different tests to diagnose these conditions and manage them with treatments that help calm down the immune system or ease symptoms. Understanding autoimmune diseases is essential to find ways to better manage and live well with these conditions.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Chronic Diarrhoea
Frequent, persistent, and exceptionally loose or watery stools that endure for an extended period, often leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The diarrhoea may occur frequently throughout the day, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.
Abdominal Pain
Recurrent discomfort, severe cramping, and notable pain in the abdominal region, primarily arising after consuming gluten-containing foods. This pain can vary from a dull ache to intense spasms, causing considerable distress and disrupting daily functioning.
Bloating and Gas
Experiencing an overwhelming sense of fullness, excessive gas, and persistent bloating following meals containing gluten. This discomfort may last for extended periods, causing abdominal distension and discomfort.
Unintended Weight Loss
Significant and consistent weight loss occurs unintentionally due to the body’s inability to absorb essential nutrients from food, leading to a noticeable decrease in body mass and muscle wasting.
Malnutrition Signs
Pervasive weakness, chronic fatigue, and marked nutrient deficiencies resulting from the compromised ability of the small intestine to absorb critical nutrients such as vitamins (especially D, B12, and folate), minerals, and essential fats, impacting overall health and vitality significantly.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
A persistent, intensely itchy skin rash characterised by clusters of blistering lesions, typically found on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp, causing continuous discomfort and distress.
Iron Deficiency
A deficiency in iron leads to anaemia, resulting in profound weakness, persistent fatigue, and breathlessness even with minimal exertion, significantly affecting daily activities.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Insufficient levels of folate or vitamin B12 contribute to anaemia, leading to ongoing fatigue, weakness, and potential neurological symptoms such as tingling sensations and cognitive issues.
Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
A decrease in bone density due to impaired absorption of calcium and vitamin D significantly increases the risk of fractures, bone pain, and skeletal deformities.
Bone and Joint Pain
Persistent aches, discomfort, and potential joint disorders caused by the impact of celiac disease on bone health, leading to ongoing mobility issues and decreased quality of life.
Headaches
Frequent, persistent headaches or migraines that may vary in intensity, duration, and associated symptoms, often impacting daily activities and cognitive function.
Numbness/Tingling
Continual sensations of pins and needles, tingling, or numbness in extremities, affecting sensory perception and causing discomfort.
Balance Problems
Challenges in maintaining balance, coordination, and stability, potentially affect mobility and increase the risk of falls or injuries.
Infertility
Difficulty conceiving or sustaining pregnancies due to celiac disease impacting reproductive health and fertility, causing emotional distress and affecting family planning.
Delayed Puberty
Adolescents may experience delayed onset or progression of puberty, affecting physical and emotional development, and potentially leading to social and psychological challenges.
Causes of Celiac Disease
Genetic Predisposition
Certain genetic markers, specifically the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, increase susceptibility to celiac disease. It tends to run in families, meaning individuals with a family history of the condition have a higher risk.
Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac disease is triggered by the body’s abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the small intestine upon gluten ingestion.
Environmental Factors:
Early exposure to gluten, especially when introduced to an infant’s diet too soon, might contribute to the development of celiac disease. Factors like viral infections or stressful events could act as triggers, prompting the immune system to react abnormally to gluten.
Complex Interaction:
The interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences determines the likelihood of developing celiac disease. Not everyone with the genetic markers develops the condition, indicating the role of additional triggers in its onset.
