Celiac disease is often associated with a genetic predisposition and is a lifelong condition. The most striking feature of this condition is that consuming foods containing gluten causes damage to the inner surface of the small intestine. This damage can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and cause a variety of health problems. One of the biggest struggles of individuals living with celiac disease is to avoid the gluten-containing foods they encounter in their daily lives and to take care to protect their health. Being careful in many areas, from food shopping to restaurant visits, is an important step for celiac patients to maintain a gluten-free diet.
Celiac disease is a disease that occurs as a result of the body’s abnormal response to the protein called gluten, found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. Gluten is the structural protein of these grains and enables digestion in the small intestine. Antibodies produced by the immune system against gluten in celiac patients destroy the finger-like projections of the small intestine called villi. This can disrupt the absorption of nutrients and lead to various health problems.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing damage. In celiac disease, the immune system perceives gluten as a foreign substance and produces antibodies against it. These antibodies destroy the finger-like projections of the small intestine called villi.
What is the cause of celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a protein called gluten. This condition is triggered by consuming foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein complex found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. The immune systems of celiac patients perceive the normally harmless gluten as a threat and target the small intestine, causing damage.
The exact cause of celiac disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to be based on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Celiac disease is generally more common in individuals with a family history. This highlights the role of genetic predisposition. However, having a genetic predisposition alone does not guarantee the development of celiac disease. Environmental triggers also play an important role in the emergence of this disease.
How do we know if we are celiac?
Celiac disease can usually be diagnosed when symptoms appear. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person and can sometimes be mild, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional if celiac disease is considered. Celiac symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and cramps are common symptoms in celiac patients. This may indicate that digestive processes are affected due to damage to the small intestine.
- Celiac disease can impair absorption in the small intestine, causing a liquid stool. In this case, diarrhea is a common symptom.
- Nausea and vomiting may occur in some celiac patients. These symptoms may increase especially when foods containing gluten are consumed.
- When nutrient absorption is reduced due to damage to the small intestine, weight loss may be observed in celiac patients.
- Celiac patients often experience a lack of energy because their bodies cannot absorb enough nutrients.
- A skin disease called dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with celiac disease. Skin lesions in the form of itchy blisters may be a symptom of this disease.
- Oral sores are another symptom that can be seen in celiac patients.
- In women, celiac disease can cause problems with the reproductive system, such as menstrual irregularities.
Celiac disease is usually diagnosed by having the person with symptoms undergo medical tests, such as blood tests and a small intestine biopsy. If you suspect celiac disease, it is important to see a healthcare professional and get appropriate testing. Remember that it is best to get help from an expert instead of diagnosing yourself.
Who gets celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a disease that can be seen at any age. However, it usually occurs in childhood. The incidence of celiac disease varies from country to country. Celiac disease occurs in one in every 70 to 200 people worldwide. Celiac disease is generally a familial disease. The risk of developing celiac disease in first-degree relatives of people with celiac disease is approximately 10 times higher than in the general population. Celiac disease is more common in the following people:
- People with a family history of celiac disease
- People with genetic disorders
- People with type 1 diabetes
- People with thyroid diseases
- People with allergies
- People with rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms of celiac disease in children can often occur when foods containing gluten are introduced into baby supplements or when children begin to consume a wider range of foods. Celiac disease in children can often differ from symptoms seen in adults. Symptoms of celiac disease in children may include:
- One of the most common symptoms of celiac disease in children is abdominal pain and cramps. This may be due to the effects of celiac disease on the digestive system.
- Diarrhea is a common symptom of celiac disease in children.
- In some children, celiac disease may present with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may increase especially when foods containing gluten are consumed.
- Celiac disease can affect nutrient absorption, causing growth failure and weight loss in children.
- Celiac disease in children may occur as oral sores or canker sores.
- A skin disease called dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with celiac disease. Skin lesions in the form of itchy blisters may occur in children.
- Celiac disease in children can cause systemic symptoms such as muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Children with celiac disease can often experience loss of appetite.
- Celiac disease can be associated with nervousness, irritability, and a general feeling of restlessness in children.
If your child shows one or more of these symptoms, it is important to consult a pediatrician and get the necessary tests done. When celiac disease is diagnosed early, it is possible to control symptoms with a proper diet.