What is Celiac Disease? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Explained

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that harms the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Wheat, barley, and rye contain this protein, which triggers the condition. You should remove gluten from the diet to alleviate symptoms and support healing.

If someone with celiac disease swallows gluten, their immune system overreacts and attacks the small intestine. This damages the villi, which are tiny finger-like projections that help absorb nutrients. As a result, the body struggles to absorb essential nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition, weakened bones, infertility, miscarriage, neurological disorders, or even certain types of cancer.

If symptoms persist for over a year despite following a strict gluten-free diet, doctors may diagnose refractory or nonresponsive celiac disease. Many people with celiac disease remain undiagnosed because symptoms vary widely, and the damage occurs slowly over time.

It is important to note that gluten sensitivity or intolerance differs from celiac disease. While both can cause similar digestive symptoms, gluten intolerance does not trigger an immune response or damage the small intestine. However, people with gluten sensitivity may still choose to avoid gluten to feel better.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

The signs of celiac disease are distinct from those of a food allergy. Eating wheat with a wheat allergy can make breathing hard or cause itchy, watery eyes.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults

Adults who have celiac disease could have digestive issues. However, symptoms frequently spread to other parts of the body. These signs could consist of the following:

• Iron-deficiency anaemia
• Painful and stiff joints
• Brittle and fragile bones
• Fatigue
• Skin disorders
• Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
• Loss of enamel or tooth discoloration
• Pale mouth sores
• Irregular intervals of menstruation
• Miscarriage and infertility

Another typical sign of celiac disease is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). DH is a bumpy, blistering skin rash that itches terribly. It might appear on the knees, buttocks, and elbows. About 15 to 25% of people living with celiac disease also have DH. Those who do have DH typically don’t have any intestinal issues.

It’s crucial to remember that symptoms might differ from person to person depending on several circumstances, such as:

how long a person was breastfed when they were little when they first started consuming gluten; the amount of intestinal damage depends on how much gluten is consumed.

Some people living with celiac disease don’t exhibit any symptoms. However, they still risk getting long-term repercussions from their illness.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease on Children

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Chronic diarrhea.
• Swollen belly.
• Constipation.
• Gas.
• Pale, foul-smelling stools.

If you think you or your kid may have celiac disease, book an appointment with your doctor. Complications are more likely to develop when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Causes of Celiac Disease

According to research, individuals with celiac disease can only occur in specific genes and consume gluten-containing foods.

People with one of the two groups of common gene variations, known as DQ2 and DQ8, nearly always get celiac disease. It is improbable that those without these gene variations will get celiac disease. DQ2 or DQ8 is present in about 30% of the population. Only 3% of those with DQ2 or DQ8 go on to develop celiac disease, though.

Other genes that may raise the risk of celiac disease in people with DQ2 or DQ8 are being researched.

How is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Different from Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease harms the small intestine. Blood tests detect specific markers that help confirm the diagnosis. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms such as brain fog, nausea, vomiting, migraines, diarrhea, joint pain, and abdominal discomfort. Unlike celiac disease, NCGS does not damage the intestine. Doctors diagnose NCGS by observing symptom improvement after following a gluten-free diet.

Diet Tips to Follow

Most people with celiac disease find that being gluten-free dramatically reduces their symptoms, and they can start to feel better in a matter of days or weeks.

The small intestine often recovers in children in 3-6 months. Full recovery can take several years in adulthood. However, the body can more adequately absorb nutrients from meals after the intestines have healed.

In some regions of the world, where gluten-free alternatives are becoming more widely accessible, following a gluten-free diet is simpler than ever. An experienced dietician can assist in knowing which foods and items, like toothpaste, are more likely to contain gluten.

What to Eat with Celiac Disease and What Not to?

Always check with your doctor regarding your diet and food intake. Below are a few suggestions on what to consume and what not to eat.

Wheat, rye, and barley are natural sources of gluten. Gluten is also found in most grains, pasta, and processed meals, as well as beers and other alcoholic beverages made from grains.

Because gluten can be an element in unexpected items, it is important to read labels carefully. The following foods don’t contain gluten:

• Meat, fish, poultry
• Eggs
• Fruits and vegetables

Some grains, like rice, amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat; rice flour cereals, such as corn, millet, sorghum, and teff; and gluten-free pasta, bread, baked goods, and other items.

Additionally, gluten can be removed from recipes by substituting and, in some cases, modifying the baking time and temperature.

The following list of processed foods that may contain gluten:

• Canned soup
• Salad dressings
• Ketchup
• Ice cream, seasonings, candy bars, and soy sauce
• prepared meats and sausages in cans

Gluten is present in various non-food products, including toothpaste, lipstick, lip balm, lip gloss, and postage stamps.

What Dietary Changes Are Necessary for Celiac Disease?

You must eliminate gluten-containing foods and beverages from your diet if you have celiac disease. A gluten-free diet can reduce celiac disease symptoms and repair small intestine damage. For the rest of their lives, people with celiac disease must maintain a gluten-free diet to prevent the recurrence of their symptoms and intestinal damage. You can get advice on what to eat and drink to keep a balanced diet from your doctor or a qualified dietitian.

Support groups may be helpful when learning about and adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle if you or your kid has been diagnosed with celiac disease.

Can Celiac Disease Cause Weight Gain?

When someone with celiac disease begins a gluten-free diet, weight gain is frequently the result. It actually indicates that the gut lining is healing. However, additional health issues, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, might develop if weight gain persists and results in becoming overweight.

Who Should I Consult for Celiac Disease?

If you have celiac disease, your doctor or gastroenterologist can offer ongoing care and support. If blood tests or an endoscopy do not detect celiac disease, you are unlikely to have the condition. However, other diseases can cause similar symptoms. A gastroenterologist can help find the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Before starting a gluten-free diet, consult your healthcare team. Reducing or eliminating gluten before testing can affect the accuracy of your results. Celiac disease often runs in families. If a family member has celiac disease, consult your healthcare provider to determine if you should get tested. You should also consider testing if you or a relative have a risk factor, such as type 1 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions