Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive
enteropathy) is a digestive and autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune
disorder is one in which the immune system directs antibodies to
attack the body. The antibody of celiac disease is directed against
gluten, a protein found in grains.
What are the causes of celiac disease?
Normally, the body's immune system is designed to protect it
from foreign invaders. When people with celiac disease eat foods
containing gluten, their immune system forms antibodies to gluten,
which then attack the intestinal lining. This causes inflammation
in the intestines and damages the villi, the hair-like structures
on the lining of the small intestine. Nutrients from food are
absorbed by the villi; if the villi are damaged, the person cannot
absorb nutrients and ends up malnourished, no matter how much he or
she eats.
Other causes of malabsorption include:
- Heredity (a close relative who has the disease)
- Medical procedures such as surgery, pregnancy, or
childbirth
- Diseases such as viral infections
What are the symptoms of celiac disease?
Symptoms of celiac disease vary among sufferers and include:
- Digestive problems (abdominal bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea,
pale stools, and weight loss)
- A severe skin rash called dermatitis herpitiformis
- Anemia (low blood count)
- Musculoskeletal problems (muscle cramps, joint and bone
pain)
- Growth problems and failure to thrive (in children)
- Seizures
- Tingling sensation in the legs (caused by nerve damage and low
calcium)
- Aphthous ulcers (sores in the mouth)
- Missed menstrual periods
What other health problems accompany celiac disease?
Celiac disease can leave the patient susceptible to other health
problems, including:
- Cancer of the intestine (very rare)
- Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and leads to
fractures. This occurs because the person has trouble absorbing
enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Miscarriage or infertility
- Birth defects, such as neural tube defects (improper formation
of the spine) caused by poor absorption of such nutrients as folic
acid
- Seizures
- Growth problems in children because they don't absorb enough
nutrients
People who have celiac disease may have other autoimmune
diseases, including:
- Thyroid disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Liver disease
- Sjogren's syndrome (a disorder that causes insufficient
moisture production by the glands)
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have celiac disease, he or she will
perform a careful physical examination and will discuss your
medical history with you. He or she may also perform a blood test
to measure levels of antibodies (substances produced by the immune
system to fight harmful invaders) to gluten. People with celiac
disease have higher levels of certain antibodies in their
blood.