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SALT LAKE CITY — Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged by eating gluten and other proteins found in many grains. Left untreated, the condition can lead to myriad serious health problems.
Celiac disease “is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide,” according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. It’s estimated that “2.5 million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications,” the foundation’s website states.
Symptoms of celiac disease
If you currently have an autoimmune disease, you are more likely to have celiac disease. The main complaint of celiac patients is chronic diarrhea, which leads to malabsorption, vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies and nutritional problems.
Other symptoms of celiac disease include:
- Changes in bowel movements
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Feeling very tired
- Weakness
If you suspect you might have celiac disease, it is important to seek and implement treatment because the condition can lead to low iron in the blood, chronic anemia and early onset of osteoporosis. It can also raise your risk of developing lymphoma.
Getting a diagnosis
A diagnosis of celiac disease can be hard to get, as there is not an exact science when it comes to autoimmune diseases. The disease is often mistaken for another problem, such as food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome, and you may be treated for one of these problems at first.
During a typical exam, your physician will ask about symptoms, conduct a physical and order blood tests to see if you have certain antibodies. To get a definite diagnosis, you will probably have an endoscopy. Here, the medical provider may take small samples of intestinal tissue to be tested in a lab.
After your celiac disease diagnosis, your medical provider may do more tests to check for anemia, electrolyte balance or a bone density exam.
Treatment for celiac disease
Treatment for celiac disease means eliminating all gluten from your diet. Avoiding foods with gluten allows the intestine to heal.
Celiac patients should avoid eating any food made from wheat, rye or barley. It is also common for some types of nuts to trigger symptoms. Keep in mind that pre-processed foods often include these ingredients, so reading food labels is essential.
Within two weeks after starting a gluten-free eating plan, most people find that their symptoms have improved or gone away completely. However, it can take months or even years for complete resolution of symptoms.
For help and quick answers to your questions, visit celiac.org.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
