| Coeliac disease is a condition that affects the | | | | Sensitivity to gluten is the cause of coeliac disease |
| small bowel, caused by an abnormal immune | | | | and this often runs in families, suggesting a genetic |
| response, or sensitivity, to a dietary protein | | | | link. |
| known as gluten. When the lining of the small | | | | Symptoms of Coeliac Disease |
| intestine is damaged, nutrients like calcium, iron, | | | | Some Symptoms of Coeliac Disease: |
| folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins are poorly | | | | Muscle cramps |
| absorbed. In some people these proteins cause | | | | Seizures |
| damage to the tiny projections - or villi - that line | | | | Fatigue |
| the small intestine. Sugars, proteins and fats may | | | | Failure to thrive in infants |
| be poorly absorbed too.Until recently, celiac | | | | Bone or joint pain |
| disease was considered uncommon in the United | | | | Chronic diarrhea |
| States. | | | | Recurring abdominal bloating and pain |
| However, recent studies suggest that the disease | | | | Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool |
| may be underdiagnosed and that as many as one | | | | Behavioral changes |
| in every 133 Americans could have the disease. In | | | | Treatment of Coeliac Disease |
| some cases, a diagnosis of celiac disease is | | | | A blood test can now help doctors to tell if |
| missed because the symptoms are so varied and | | | | somebody is likely to have the condition. |
| may only flare up occasionally. This renders them | | | | Treatment consists of restricting gluten in the diet. |
| unable to absorb food properly, and can lead to | | | | The only effective treatment of Coeliac disease is |
| diarrhea and malnutrition. These proteins damage | | | | strict lifelong complete avoidance of Gluten found |
| the small finger-like projections (villi) that line the | | | | in cereals such as Wheat, Rye and Barley (many |
| small intestine and play a significant role in | | | | tolerate Oats). |
| digestion. When damaged and inflamed, the villi are | | | | However, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is |
| unable to absorb food properly, which often | | | | to remove a small piece of tissue from the |
| causes diarrhea and malnutrition. | | | | intestine for analysis in the laboratory. |
| Causes of Coeliac Disease | | | | You may also be advised to take some vitamin |
| The common Causes of Coeliac Disease: | | | | and calcium and iron supplements at least for the |
| The exact cause of coeliac disease is unknown. | | | | first six months following diagnosis. This is to |
| Severe stress, physical injury, infection, | | | | replace any deficiencies, and to make sure you |
| pregnancy, childbirth or surgery may lead to | | | | get enough of these whilst the gut lining is |
| symptoms developing. | | | | returning to normal. |