What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten causes the immune system to damage the lining of the small intestine, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Prevalence
Celiac disease is fairly common and often underdiagnosed. Experts estimate it affects about 1% of people worldwide, and many people who have it have not yet been diagnosed.
Symptoms/Complications
Symptoms can include diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and in some people, very few or no digestive symptoms at all. If untreated, it can lead to problems such as poor nutrition, bone loss, and growth issues in children.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose celiac disease with blood tests and often a small intestine biopsy to confirm it. It is important not to start a gluten-free diet before testing, because removing gluten can affect the results.
Management
The main treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Your doctor may also recommend follow-up care, blood tests, and support from a registered dietitian to help you avoid gluten and maintain a healthy diet.
Outlook
There is no cure, but most people do very well when they follow a strict gluten-free diet. Symptoms often improve, and the small intestine can begin to heal over time.