At its basic level, Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged to varying degrees. In large part, this is an inherited disease in people whose parents suffer from Celiac disease are much more likely to experience symptoms of this condition themselves.

In a healthy person, projections in the intestine (called villi) absorb nutrients from food and liquid. In Celiac  patients, the villi become flattened, preventing the body from obtaining the nutrients it needs to support bone, muscle, and organ health.

Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose, because the emergence of its symptoms is often latent meaning many people with this condition do not experience significant symptoms until they are well into adulthood. Symptoms can also vary considerably from person to person ñ one patient may experience severe symptoms that significantly impact his or her life, while another may experience few or no symptoms.

Causes:
The main cause of Celiac disease is considered to be a diet including gluten based foods, including wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Celiac is more prominent in women than in men, and is most common among Caucasian people, particularly those of European ancestry. Those with Type 1 diabetes, Down’s Syndrome, thyroid disease, and some types of intestinal cancer are more likely to develop Celiac disease.

Although the disease is most commonly diagnosed in young adults, the onset of Celiac disease can occur at any stage of life, from infancy to late adulthood.

It is typically marked by a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms that may indicate Celiac disease include muscle cramps, frequent bruising, hair loss, and fatigue.

Treatment:
A change in diet is the most common treatment. Switching to a gluten-free diet will typically allow the intestinal walls to heal, alleviating many of the symptoms experienced by patients with this condition.
In some cases, patients with Celiac disease may also require vitamin or mineral supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies. Working with a dietitian who specializes in this condition can also be an enormous benefit to Celiac patients.

It is very important to examine food labels carefully to look for ingredients that contain barley, wheat, oats, or rye. Many medicines and foods contain ingredients that are derived from these sources, so establishing a gluten-free diet can be challenging; however, it is essential for long term health and quality of life. Patients with Celiac quickly learn to read labels, and to research products for hidden gluten before buying them. Gluten hide in some surprising places, including vitamins, medications, cosmetics, and even beer, so it is important to keep an eye out for it as you shop or peruse a menu.
The prognosis of patients with Celiac disease is generally considered positive. As long as the condition is diagnosed and treated before significant damage has been caused to the intestinal walls, people with Celiac disease can expect to live a long, healthy life.

Think you or someone you know may be suffering from Celiac disease? There are some common Celiac Disease symptoms that differentiate this condition from other types of gastrointestinal diseases. Celiac disease can be a bit difficult to diagnose, so it is important to know the symptoms of this condition so you can communicate them to your doctor or gastroenterologist.  Correctly identifying Celiac Disease symptoms can help your doctor diagnose and treat you early, so you can reduce or eliminate this condition and it’s effects on your life.

One of the biggest challenges of diagnosing Celiac disease is that the presence and severity of symptoms vary significantly from person to person. One patient may experience several severe symptoms, while another may only notice one or two mild symptoms. Celiac Disease symptoms of all types can range from mild to severe, so it is important to describe any pain or discomfort you are having, even if it is minor. Accurately describing your symptoms helps your doctor diagnose you correctly.

Gastrointestinal problems are the most common Celiac Disease symptoms. Abdominal pain and indigestion are common, particularly after eating foods which contain wheat, rye, oats, or barley. Sufferers may also notice abdominal swelling, bloating, or gas.

A significant change in appetite may also accompany Celiac disease. Most commonly, a patient will experience a marked appetite decrease, although an increase in appetite is possible as well. An inability to eat dairy products (lactose intolerance) may occur as well. Celiac Disease symptoms related to appetite may be a little more elusive to pin down, so if you notice a change, even a minor one, be sure to include it when you talk to your doctor.
Changes in bowel movements can also indicate the presence of Celiac disease. Symptoms include chronic constipation or diarrhoea. Both of these symptoms typically go away quickly once treatment has begun, and gluten has been eliminated from the diet.

In some cases, nausea or frequent vomiting can occur. This may happen at any time, although Celiac disease patients most commonly experience nausea following a meal.

Because the intestines of Celiac disease sufferers do not properly absorb the vitamins and nutrients needed for optimal health, a variety of other symptoms may be present as well. Anaemia, for example, often accompanies Celiac disease, as do vitamin and mineral deficiencies and general malnutrition.

The malabsorption of Vitamin K may show up in the form of increased bruising of the skin. Vitamin K deficiencies also prevent the proper clotting of blood, so Celiac Disease symptoms can include problems with uncontrolled bleeding.
Bones and joints can also be affected by Celiac disease. People with this condition often notice increased bone or joint pain. In some cases, they may also experience bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, or increased susceptibility to bone fractures.

Children with Celiac disease sometimes experience poor growth or weight gain. This is because the body cannot absorb and process essential vitamins, proteins, and fats from foods. These children may need nutritional supplements as part of their treatment regimen.

Finally, behavioural changes can be triggered by Celiac disease. Some sufferers will experience irritability or nervousness; however, depression is a more common behavioural symptom. In many cases, depression is caused by the pervasive sense of fatigue that comes with anaemia. With proper treatment of Celiac disease, these behavioural changes can be addressed effectively. Every patient is different, and will experience a different combination of Celiac Disease symptoms. Make sure you discuss what you are experiencing with your doctor, to ensure that you receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.