Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system. It occurs when the body reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to poor nutrient absorption and a wide range of symptoms.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is genetic, meaning it runs in families. People with a parent, sibling, or child with the condition have a higher risk. It can be triggered or become active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infections, or severe stress.
How Does It Affect the Body?
When someone with celiac eats gluten, their immune system attacks the villi—tiny finger-like structures in the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients. Over time, damaged villi can’t absorb nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, and other health issues.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:
– Bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Nausea and vomiting
– Fatigue or weakness
– Weight loss
– Iron-deficiency anemia
– Bone or joint pain
– Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
– Mouth ulcers
– Delayed growth (in children)
Some people have “silent celiac disease” and may not show obvious symptoms, yet still suffer internal damage.
Diagnosis
Celiac is diagnosed through:
1. Blood tests – To check for specific antibodies (like tTG-IgA)
2. Endoscopy and biopsy – A small sample of the small intestine is taken to confirm villi damage
Important: Do not stop eating gluten before testing, as this can affect test accuracy.
Treatment
There is no cure for the disease, but it can be managed by following a strict gluten-free diet for life. This means avoiding:
– Bread, pasta, and baked goods made with wheat, barley, or rye
– Processed foods containing hidden gluten
– Cross-contaminated foods (e.g., shared kitchen surfaces or utensils)
Living with Celiac Disease
Managing the disease requires careful label reading, planning meals, and communicating dietary needs when eating out. Over time, symptoms improve, and the small intestine heals if gluten is avoided completely.
Conclusion
Celiac disease is a lifelong condition, but with the right knowledge and commitment to a gluten-free lifestyle, people it can be easily treated.
