Celiac Disease also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy -- is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten. Gluten is a form of protein found in some grains. The damage to the intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, especially fat, calcium, iron, and folate.
Include:
• Digestive problems (abdominal bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea, pale stools, and weight loss)
• A severe skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
• Iron deficiency anemia (low blood count)
• Musculoskeletal problems (muscle cramps, joint and bone pain)
• Growth problems and failure to thrive (in children)
• Seizures
• Tingling sensation in the legs (caused by nerve damage and low calcium)
• Aphthous ulcers (sores in the mouth)
• Missed menstrual periods
Tests and procedures used to diagnose celiac disease include:
• Physical exam
• Medical History
• Blood Test: Elevated levels of certain substances in your blood (antibodies) indicate an immune reaction to gluten. These tests detect celiac disease even if you have only mild symptoms or none at all.
• Stool Sample test (A stool sample may be tested to detect fat in the stool, since celiac disease prevents fat from being absorbed from food.)
• Endoscopy. If your blood tests indicate celiac disease, your doctor may order an endoscopy to view your small intestine and to take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to analyze for damage to the villi.
- Living With a Gluten-Free Diet
- If you have celiac disease, you can't eat any foods that contain gluten (including wheat, rye, barley, and oats). Dropping gluten from your diet usually improves the condition within a few days and eventually ends the symptoms of the disease. In most cases, the villi are healed within six months.
- Consult a dietitian at Aadil hospital who can help you with the gluten-free diet.
Consult Dietition / Nutritionist at Aadil Hospital, who can help you plan a healthy gluten-free diet.
