Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It affects the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage to the lining, which can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional deficiencies. Our Gastroenterology Department specializes in the diagnosis and management of celiac disease, offering comprehensive care to improve patients’ health and quality of life.

Symptoms:

Gluten intolerance in celiac disease can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, individuals may experience non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, headaches, and mood disturbances.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing celiac disease involves a combination of clinical evaluation, serological tests to detect specific antibodies (such as anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies and anti-endomysial antibodies), genetic testing for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 alleles, and confirmation through small intestine biopsy to assess mucosal damage.

Dietary and Lifestyle Management:

The cornerstone of management for celiac disease is adherence to a strict gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding all sources of gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Patients are encouraged to consume naturally gluten-free foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy, and gluten-free grains such as rice, quinoa, and corn. Nutritional deficiencies are common in individuals with untreated celiac disease due to malabsorption of nutrients in the damaged intestine. Our team provides nutritional counseling and may recommend dietary supplements to address deficiencies in vitamins (e.g., vitamin D, B vitamins, folate) and minerals (e.g., iron, calcium, zinc).

Monitoring and Follow-up:

Patients with celiac disease require regular monitoring and follow-up to assess dietary compliance, evaluate symptoms, monitor nutritional status, and detect any potential complications such as refractory celiac disease, osteoporosis, or malignancies such as intestinal lymphoma.

Gluten Cross-Contamination:

Avoiding gluten cross-contamination is essential for individuals with celiac disease, as even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and perpetuate intestinal damage. This involves careful food preparation, reading labels, using separate cooking utensils, and being vigilant when dining out.

Support and Education:

Living with celiac disease can present challenges in various aspects of daily life, including social situations, travel, and dining out. Our team provides education, resources, and support to help patients navigate these challenges and maintain a gluten-free lifestyle effectively.

 

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It affects the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage to the lining, leading to various gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms.

 

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing celiac disease involves clinical evaluation, serological tests for specific antibodies, genetic testing for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 alleles, and confirmation through small intestine biopsy to assess mucosal damage.

 

What is the treatment for celiac disease?

The mainstay of treatment for celiac disease is adherence to a strict gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding all sources of gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Nutritional support and monitoring are also important components of management.

 

Can celiac disease be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease. However, following a strict gluten-free diet can effectively manage symptoms, promote healing of the intestine, and improve overall health and quality of life in individuals with the condition.

 

What are the potential complications of untreated celiac disease?

Untreated celiac disease can lead to various complications, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of intestinal lymphoma and other malignancies. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.