Celiac Disease
You’ve heard of Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Have you heard of celiac disease? Celiac disease affects more people than all of these disorders combined – about 1% of the population. It is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world. Yet 97% of Americans with celiac disease go undiagnosed.
When people with celiac disease eat a protein called gluten - found in wheat, rye and barley - their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. The resulting malnutrition affects multiple systems in the body, and can lead to a wide variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms and conditions ranging from gastrointestinal distress, to anemia, infertility, intestinal cancers, osteoporosis, slow growth in children, bone and joint pain, depression, an itchy skin rash, and dental defects.
Recent research found that the majority of celiacs are not aware of any symptoms at all – they have “silent celiac.” If left untreated, even silent celiac disease can lead to the serious medical complications listed above.
Until very recently, celiac disease was mistakenly believed to be a rare childhood disease found in people of European ancestry. Now researchers are finding that celiac is a global disease that can be found in people of any weight, race and age, from infants to senior citizens. Celiac disease may be triggered in infancy when gluten is first consumed, or later in life, sometimes following a physical or emotional trauma. Family members of a celiac, and people with type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and other autoimmune diseases have a higher rate of celiac disease.
The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet for life, which heals the small intestine, and often relieves most or all of the symptoms. Consultation with a dietitian and referral to a patient support group help newly diagnosed celiacs adjust. The popularity and availability of gluten-free products is soaring. Research is under way to find a pharmaceutical treatment for celiac disease.
The first step in diagnosing celiac disease is a blood test. If the result is positive, a biopsy of the small intestine is performed. Testing for celiac disease must be conducted prior to attempting a gluten-free diet. Persons wishing to be tested are advised to educate themselves and talk to their doctors about the latest information on symptoms and diagnostic methods.
This information was adapted from materials provided by:
Additional resources:
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
American Celiac Disease Alliance
North Bay Celiacs serves people with celiac disease and others on a gluten-free diet in the Northern California Counties of Sonoma, Napa and Marin. Provides support groups and runs a Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign to educate doctors, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, wineries, grocery stores and tourist and travel destinations.