Celiac disease affect as many as 3 million people in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. However, many of them don't know they have the disease.
A person who has celiac disease can not eat gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, in some medications, vitamins, and lip balms. The immune system of those with celiac disease reacts to gluten by attacking and damaging the inner lining of their small intestine. Over time, the lining is damaged resulting in not enough nutrients being absorbed by the body.
As the condition progresses, it can cause health problems such as anemia, infertility, and weak and brittle bones.
Sometimes, during its early stages, it does not cause any symptom. This might explain why people with celiac disease don't know they have the condition because they may not feel sick. As a result, they will continue to eat gluten causing continuous damage to the intestine.
Celiac disease occurs at any age. However, people who have family members who have celiac disease are more likely to develop the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people with the condition don't feel any symptoms. In others, they may have the following signs and symptoms:
Can my celiac disease be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease. However, early detection and treatment may prevent complication and further damage to the small intestine. The most effective treatment is to have a gluten-free diet. Avoiding gluten in the diet can help your small intestine to heal itself.
Your doctor or a dietitian can help you learn how to choose gluten-free foods.
Related Topic: Celiac Disease (More Information)
Sources:
Celiac Disease: What You Need to Know, NIDDK Website.
Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign, NIDDK Website.
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A person who has celiac disease can not eat gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, in some medications, vitamins, and lip balms. The immune system of those with celiac disease reacts to gluten by attacking and damaging the inner lining of their small intestine. Over time, the lining is damaged resulting in not enough nutrients being absorbed by the body.
As the condition progresses, it can cause health problems such as anemia, infertility, and weak and brittle bones.
Sometimes, during its early stages, it does not cause any symptom. This might explain why people with celiac disease don't know they have the condition because they may not feel sick. As a result, they will continue to eat gluten causing continuous damage to the intestine.
Celiac disease occurs at any age. However, people who have family members who have celiac disease are more likely to develop the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people with the condition don't feel any symptoms. In others, they may have the following signs and symptoms:
- gas
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- tiredness
- change in mood
- weight loss
- an itchy skin rash with blisters
Can my celiac disease be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease. However, early detection and treatment may prevent complication and further damage to the small intestine. The most effective treatment is to have a gluten-free diet. Avoiding gluten in the diet can help your small intestine to heal itself.
Your doctor or a dietitian can help you learn how to choose gluten-free foods.
Related Topic: Celiac Disease (More Information)
Sources:
Celiac Disease: What You Need to Know, NIDDK Website.
Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign, NIDDK Website.
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