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Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and it can trigger an immune response in people with celiac disease.
This response can cause damage to the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss.
Other complications can include nutritional deficiencies, skin rashes, anemia and osteoporosis.
There is currently no cure for the disease, but avoiding or limiting the consumption of gluten can help to control symptoms and prevent further damage to the small intestine.
A blood test can be used to diagnose the disease, and a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment.
If you suspect you may have celiac disease, it is important to speak to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Celiac Disease in Children
Celiac disease almost affects 1 in 100 children worldwide, making it an increasingly common diagnosis.
For children with celiac disease, it is important to strictly follow a gluten-free diet in order to avoid damaging their digestive system. This means avoiding foods containing wheat, barley and rye.
It can be difficult for children to follow a gluten-free diet, as they may have to give up some of their favourite foods. However, there are many gluten-free alternatives available today, making it easier for children to find foods that they enjoy.
Symptoms
It is important to recognise the symptoms of celiac disease in order to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Common symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must to talk to your doctor without delay.
Celiac Disease Symptoms in Children
In children, celiac disease can cause a range of symptoms including:
Other signs that your child may have celiac disease include:
Reach out to your paediatrician if your child has been displaying any of these symptoms for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Causes
The causes are not fully understood, but there are some known risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disorder.
Genetics: Celiac disease tends to run in families, and those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with the disorder have a higher risk of developing it themselves.
Age: Celiac disease is most prevalent in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age.
Gender: Women are slightly more likely to develop the disease than men.
Gluten exposure: Eating foods containing gluten before the age of 3 has been linked to an increased risk of developing celiac disease.
Other illnesses: There is evidence that having certain illnesses, such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease, can increase your chances of developing the disease.
Treatment
The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods containing gluten and instead eating foods made from gluten-free grains like rice, corn, quinoa or buckwheat.
Your dietician or nutritionist can help create a meal plan that meets your individual needs.
In addition, taking supplements can help ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need.
Finally, it is important to be aware of potential cross-contamination when eating out or buying packaged foods.
By following a strict gluten-free diet, you can reduce the symptoms of celiac disease and improve your quality of life.
Gluten-free Foods
Eating a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are many delicious and nutritious foods that are naturally gluten-free.
Here is a list of some of the best gluten-free foods:
Fruits and vegetables: Most fresh fruits and vegetables are gluten-free, including apples, oranges, berries, carrots, potatoes tomatoes and more.
Grains and starches: Rice, corn, quinoa and buckwheat are all gluten-free grains that can be used in place of wheat and other grains.
Meats: All types of meat, poultry and fish are naturally gluten-free.
Dairy: Milk, yogurt and cheese are all gluten-free.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds are all gluten-free and packed with essential nutrients.
Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils and other legumes are great sources of protein and fiber, and they are all gluten-free.
Eggs are naturally gluten-free
By including these foods in your diet, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious gluten-free lifestyle.
Genetics and Celiac Disease
Genetics plays a major role in determining whether a person is more likely to develop celiac disease.
Studies have found that certain genes, such as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, can increase a person’s risk of developing celiac disease. If someone has one of these genes, they are more likely to develop celiac disease if they consume gluten-containing foods.
The risk is even greater if both genes are present.
Some gene variants have also been linked to more severe forms of the disease, such as refractory celiac disease.
Also, having a first-degree relative with celiac disease increases the risk of developing the condition.
While genetics can be a factor in determining whether someone is at risk for the disease, it does not guarantee that a person will develop it. The only way to know for sure is to get tested by your doctor.
FAQs
What is refractory celiac disease?
Refractory celiac disease (RCD) is a rare but serious condition in which the symptoms of celiac disease persist despite following a gluten-free diet.
The exact cause of refractory celiac disease is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by an immune system that does not respond to the absence of gluten.
Patients with refractory celiac disease typically suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and other digestive issues that can be hard to manage.
Treatment usually involves a combination of medications and dietary changes, including multivitamin supplements and special diets.
In some cases, a gluten challenge may be required, where the patient is given a small amount of gluten to test how the body reacts to it.
While refractory celiac disease can be difficult to manage, it is possible to live a normal life with the help of medications and dietary changes.
If you have a question related to this blog post, write to us here and we will update this post with a response.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Cleveland Clinic, Celiac Disease Foundation, NIDDK, Medical News Today, NHS, NCA, Children’s National, Mass General and Verywell Health.
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