Symptoms of Celiac Disease – a disease with no symptoms
Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. It is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Although it is widely believed that celiac disease is a condition without symptoms, this is a common misconception. In fact, celiac disease can present with a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity from person to person. In this article, we will explore the symptoms of celiac disease and how they can be managed.
The Silent Disease?
One of the most common myths surrounding celiac disease is that it is a disease without symptoms. This myth has persisted for many years and has led to many people with celiac disease going undiagnosed and untreated. However, recent research has shown that this is not the case. While some people with celiac disease may not experience any noticeable symptoms, the majority of people with the condition do have symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
The symptoms of celiac disease can be divided into two categories: gastrointestinal symptoms and non-gastrointestinal symptoms. The gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease are the most well-known and include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. However, it is important to note that not all people with celiac disease experience these symptoms.
Non-Gastrointestinal Symptoms
In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, celiac disease can also present with a range of non-gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can be more difficult to diagnose as they are not typically associated with celiac disease. Some of the most common non-gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease include:
Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Iron-deficiency anemia is a common symptom of celiac disease. It occurs when the body does not have enough iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Skin Rash: A skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis is a common symptom of celiac disease. It typically appears on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp, and is characterized by itchy blisters.
Joint Pain: Celiac disease can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands, wrists, and knees. This can be mistaken for arthritis, but will often resolve once a gluten-free diet is adopted.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. People with celiac disease are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis due to malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease
Diagnosing celiac disease can be challenging as the symptoms can vary widely and may not be specific to the condition. The gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease is a biopsy of the small intestine, which is typically done through an endoscopy. In addition to the biopsy, blood tests can also be used to screen for celiac disease. The most common blood test used is the tissue transglutaminase antibody test, which looks for antibodies that are produced in response to gluten.
Treatment and Management
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley, and rye. It is important to read food labels carefully, as gluten can be hidden in many processed foods. In addition to avoiding gluten, it is important to eat a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients.
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to a range of complications, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of certain cancers. However, with proper management, people with celiac disease can live a healthy and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, while celiac disease is often referred to as a disease without symptoms, this is not entirely true. While some people with celiac disease may not experience any noticeable symptoms, many others do present with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. These symptoms can be gastrointestinal or non-gastrointestinal, and they can be challenging to diagnose.
It is important for people who suspect they may have celiac disease to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Proper diagnosis and management of celiac disease are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal health and well-being.
References:
Rubio-Tapia, A., Hill, I. D., Kelly, C. P., Calderwood, A. H., & Murray, J. A. (2013). ACG clinical guidelines: diagnosis and management of celiac disease. The American journal of gastroenterology, 108(5), 656-676.
Leffler, D. A., & Schuppan, D. (2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer). Update on serologic testing in celiac disease. The American journal of gastroenterology, 105(12), 2520-2524.
Singh, P., Arora, A., Strand, T. A., & Leffler, D. A. (2015 – Research Paper Writing Help Service). Catassi, Celiac Disease in Developing Countries: A Ticking Bomb. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 61(4), 453-456.
Elli, L., Branchi, F., Tomba, C., Villalta, D., Norsa, L., Ferretti, F., … & Roncoroni, L. (2015 – Research Paper Writing Help Service). Diagnosis of gluten related disorders: Celiac disease, wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. World journal of gastroenterology, 21(23), 7110-7119.
