Celiac Disease

What is celiac disease? 

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to atrophy and flattening of the microvilli in the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of food.

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What are the symptoms of celiac disease? 

 

  • Abdominal bloating and pain
  • Continued diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
  • Weight loss (due to malabsorption of nutrients)
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability and behavioral issues
  • Dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth
  • Delayed growth and puberty
  • Short stature
  • Failure to thrive

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Characteristics of celiac disease

  • Genetic autoimmune disease
  • Immune response when ingesting gluten (damage to the villi of the small intestine)
  • Malabsorption of nutrients (especially fat soluble vitamins)
  • If left untreated, can lead to other other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and certain cancers (i.e. colon cancer)
  • Can be triggered in time of stress (like pregnancy), although this is controversial and requires more research
  • Only 1 treatment/cure, and that is following a 100% gluten-free diet

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Learn more about celiac disease here!