What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. Ingesting gluten ultimately leads to damage of the small intestine. 

Celiac Disease

When a person eats gluten the body causes an immune response that attacks the small intestine. The villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, becomes damaged. When damaged it is unable to properly absorb nutrients into the body causing it to become hard to digest food. 

There are two types of classification for this autoimmune disease:

  • Classical

  • non-classical


Classical

  • patients encounter issues of malabsorption 


Non-classical

  • Mild gastrointestinal issues without any clear signs of malabsorption or may have unrelated problems


Silent Celiac Disease 


  • You can also have silent celiac disease. Silent celiac disease is when patients do not complain of any issues but still experience a problem with the small intestine. 

Causes

One in 100 people are affected by this autoimmune disease, but only 30% are properly diagnosed. It can also lead to long-lasting digestive issues. 

Symptoms

  • headaches

  • diarrhea

  • fatigue

  • dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash)

  • abdominal pain 

  • bloating gas

  • constipation

  • pale & foul smelling stools

  • weight loss

  • nausea


In other cases individuals will not feel any symptoms whatsoever

Who is affected? 

Celiac disease is hereditary in individuals' families. This means that a person in your family most likely has celiac disease. This autoimmune disease affects both children and adults. Common in females more than males. People with chromosomal disorders (Williams, Down & Turner syndrome) are also known to have a greater chance of attracting this autoimmune issue. 


Diagnosis

Your gastroenterologist will do the following testing to properly diagnose you with celiac disease:

  • Antibody test

  • Upper endoscopy

  • Genetic test

  • Physical exam

  • Intestinal biopsy

    • Considered the gold standard of testing in order to find out

      • Will tell you if you have it

      • If symptoms improve on gluten free diet

      • If you have a completely other gastrointestinal issue 

What Happens If Left Untreated?

If undiagnosed or untreated, you can trigger lifelong health conditions or other autoimmune issues. Lifelong health conditions include: heart disease, malnutrition, lactose intolerance, gallbladder malfunction and anemia. A study performed in 1999 found that the later you are diagnosed the greater chance of another autoimmune disease issue (type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis).

Treatment  

The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten free diet for the entirety of your life. Avoid foods and beverages that contain gluten. Focus on what you can ingest instead of what you can’t. Gluten is typically found in rye, barley and wheat. Following a gluten free diet will heal your small intestine, improve symptoms you have and lower your risk of long-term health issues. 


Refractory celiac disease

Rare condition in which the symptoms and damage to the small intestine returns even when following your gluten free diet. This can further complicate things like cancer or malnutrition. Your gastroenterologist may order further testing and treatment to properly diagnose you with a particular issue. 


If you believe you are experiencing issues in connection to this particular autoimmune disorder, we can help you! Call us, a Gastroenterologist Miami, at one of our locations most convenient to you or request an appointment online. 

gastroenterologist MiamiAndres Morenogastroenterologist Miami, Celiac Disease