Celiac, also known as Coeliac disease, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages and it affects the small intestine. In this post, you can check 10 interesting facts about celiac.
10 Facts about Celiac
The mortality rate of celiac disease can be high if left undiagnosed and no dietary regulation is observed. Famous people like Joe C(musician) Peter Michael Marino(director), Jane Swift(Lieutenant Governor of USA), Katherine(Duchess of Kent), and Terence Stamp(actor)are all affected by celiac disease.
Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gliadin, which causes an inflammatory reaction leading to flattening of the lining of the small intestine and causes lack of absorption of nutrients. In addition, there are other grains such as barley and rye which contain proteins similar to gliadin.
Celiac was first introduced in the 19th century by Aretaeus of Cappadocia and it is a translation of ancient Greek description of the disease.
Complications arising out of celiac are adenocarcinoma and lymphoma of the small bowel. The longstanding disease may lead to other complications such as ulcerative jejunitis and structuring.
Blood tests, HLA genetic typing, endoscopy, coagulation testing, and screening for osteoporosis by DXA/DEXA scanning are some of the tests done to diagnose celiac.
Another fact – celiac disease is common in European countries such as Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and Austria and also in the United States of America. In Ireland for example one in every 300 people suffers from the disease.
Celiac disease affects adults, the elderly, and infants alike. Males, more than females.
A special feature of Celiac disease is its ability to affect childhood, remain latent, and can erupt later in one’s life.
Though there is no cure for celiac disease, the only option is a gluten-free diet, avoid foods made of wheat, rye, barley, oats, avoid processed foods, beer, and milk products. Complete normalization of intestinal villi may take months.
The major symptoms of Celiac are diarrhea, failure to thrive and fatigue, bowel symptoms that may be limited or absent, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, abdominal distention, and mouth ulcers are other characteristics.
