What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is characterized by the immune system associated degeneration of the small bowel's inner lining due to sensitivity to gluten-containing food.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
Early symptoms of Celiac Disease include:
- loose stools
- possibly weight loss.
However, the spectrum of presentation may vary from person to person. Some people may present symptoms such as:
- Mild symptoms similar to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Lethargy.
In established cases of Celiac Disease, signs of malabsorption such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency becomes more obvious. Their associated symptoms are:
- Weakness or numbness
- Sub-fertility
- Headaches
Many people remain thin and some even developed chronic diarrhoea with itchy skin rashes and blisters.
How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made through blood tests and/or through endoscopy with biopsies of the small bowel mucosa showing the characteristic degenerative changes (villous atrophy).
How is Celiac Disease treated?
Treatment is usually straightforward with a gluten-free diet. Many of the symptoms may disappear after adopting such a diet.
For more information, read this article on how to manage Celiac Disease as advised by a gastroenterologist.
Dr Quan
