Celiac disease has become a widespread phenomenon in recent years, many people who have never heard of this condition are now finding that they suffer from it, or that they know someone whose life is affected by it. What is Celiac disease, and how goes it occur?

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.