Causes and Symptoms of Coeliac Disease  

Coeliac Disease is a health condition that affects the lining of the small intestine. This autoimmune disorder occurs in genetically predisposed people and interferes with the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food. Individuals diagnosed with Coeliac Disease can not eat foods that contain gluten. For this reason Coeliac Disease is often referred to as gluten intolerance or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Symptoms can range from diarrhea and abdominal bloating to severe weight loss and malnutrition.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a type of protein found in rye, wheat, spelt, and barley. This substance is often used in flavorings, sweets, sauces, and nutritional supplements. Gluten gives bread its texture and structure. Not all grains contain gluten. People suffering from Coeliac Disease can eat corn, wild rice, quinoa, millet, and soybeans. Some experts believe that oats are toxic to those diagnosed with gluten intolerance.

Coeliac Disease Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of this health condition is unknown. Coeliac Disease can occur at any age, from infancy to adulthood. Individuals who suffer from Addison's disease, diabetes, lactose intolerance, intestinal cancer, and systemic lupus erythematosus present an increased risk of developing gluten intolerance. Scientists believe that this autoimmune disorder is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a gluten protein present in wheat.

When a person suffering from this condition eats foods that contain gluten, his immune system attacks the protrusions (villi) that line the walls of the small intestine. As the diseases progresses, the villi become damaged. This process reduces the person's ability to absorb calcium, iron, protein, fat, and other nutrients from food.

Studies have shown that some gene mutations increase the risk of gluten enteropathy. Researchers have also found this disease occurs in up to 15 percent of the siblings of a person with gluten intolerance. The risk of developing Coeliac Disease is higher in those who suffer from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, liver disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic active hepatitis.

Coeliac Disease Symptoms

 
Gluten intolerance has a broad range of symptoms that mimic those triggered by other health conditions such as lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of intestinal damage that has occurred. People diagnosed with Coeliac Disease usually experience abdominal cramping, weakness, constipation, energy loss, mouth sores, irritable bowel, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, joint pain, and depression. There are over 300 symptoms associated with gluten intolerance. More than 95 percent of celiacs are misdiagnosed with other conditions. Some patients report no symptoms at all.

The symptoms of this disease vary from one individual to another. Some patients present gastrointestinal problems, bone pain, and headaches, while others experience severe abdominal pain, skin rashes, and neuropathy (tingling in the legs and feet). The decreased absorption of nutrients can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect the liver, bones, and nervous system. Over 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with gluten intolerance develop Dermatitis Herpetiformis, an autoimmune blistering skin condition characterized by urticarial plaques, chronic papulovesicular eruptions, intense itching sensations, and blisters on the back, knees, and elbows.

Left untreated, Coeliac Disease leads to early onset osteoporosis, gall bladder malfunction, lactose intolerance, intestinal lymphoma and bowel cancer, nerve damage, and seizures. Other complications include anemia and delayed development in children. Untreated Coeliac Disease can cause chronic damage to the small intestine.

Treatment Options for Coeliac Disease

 
This autoimmune disorder cannot be cured. Removing gluten from your diet is the only way to manage the disease and allow the small intestine to heal. It is important that you consult a dietician. He will show you how to identify foods that may contain hidden gluten and plan a healthy gluten-free diet. If you have severe nutritional deficiencies, you may need to take dietary supplements.