What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage to the intestinal villi, which are essential for nutrient absorption.
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Celiac Disease
- Genetics: Family history of Celiac Disease significantly increases your risk.
- Other Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Environmental Factors: Early-life factors such as infant-feeding practices, gastrointestinal infections, and gut microbiome changes may contribute.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease can present a variety of symptoms which may differ between children and adults. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
When to Seek Medical Help?
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent symptoms, such as:
- Severe abdominal discomfort
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Significant weight loss
- Fatigue and anemia
- Skin rashes that do not improve with standard treatments