Coeliac disease is caused by gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, and other similar proteins that are found in rye and barley. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause harm. Gluten is found mainly in foods, but is also found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. In some people these proteins cause damage to the tiny projections - or villi - that line the small intestine. Villi play a significant role in the digestion process. Symptoms may include diarrhoea , failure to thrive (in children) and fatigue , but these may be absent and associated symptoms in all other organ systems have been described. Sensitivity to gluten causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine, and sometimes the damage is so severe that the intestine is unable to absorb essential nutrients, leading to malnutrition. Coeliac disease is common in Australia, although firm statistics aren't available. Depending on the individual, coeliac disease symptoms can be severe, moderate or mild, or the person may be asymptomatic (symptom free). Many people with coeliac disease don't know they have the condition.

Celiac disease, sometimes called sprue or celiac sprue, is an inherited intestinal disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gluten. When the lining of the small intestine is damaged, nutrients like calcium, iron, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed. Sugars, proteins and fats may be poorly absorbed too. Until recently, celiac disease was considered uncommon in the United States. Some people develop symptoms as children and others as adults.Celiac disease is a genetic disease, meaning it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered-or becomes active for the first time-after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress. Children and adults with untreated celiac disease may become malnourished, meaning they do not get enough nutrients, resulting in anemia, weight loss, and, in children, delayed growth and small stature. Among the possible complications of untreated celiac disease are the inability to develop optimal bone mass in children and the loss of bone in adults, both of which increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Causes of Coeliac Disease

The common Causes of Coeliac Disease :

The exact cause of coeliac disease is unknown.
Severe stress, physical injury, infection, pregnancy, childbirth or surgery may lead to symptoms developing.
Sensitivity to gluten is the cause of coeliac disease and this often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Some Symptoms of Coeliac Disease :

Recurring abdominal bloating and pain
Fatigue
Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
Behavioral changes
Seizures
Bone or joint pain
Muscle cramps
Weight loss / weight gain
Failure to thrive in infants
Chronic diarrhea

Treatment of Coeliac Disease

Treatment consists of restricting gluten in the diet.
A blood test can now help doctors to tell if somebody is likely to have the condition.
However, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to remove a small piece of tissue from the intestine for analysis in the laboratory.
You may also be advised to take some vitamin and calcium and iron supplements at least for the first six months following diagnosis. This is to replace any deficiencies, and to make sure you get enough of these whilst the gut lining is returning to normal.
The only effective treatment of Coeliac disease is strict lifelong complete avoidance of Gluten found in cereals such as Wheat, Rye and Barley (many tolerate Oats).

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.