Celiac disease is a disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. This eMedTV article offers an overview of celiac disease, including information about how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
The exact causes of celiac disease are not yet known; however, as explained in this portion of the eMedTV library, scientists have identified specific genes that appear to play a role in causing celiac disease.
Symptoms of celiac disease include chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, and others. This eMedTV Web page describes symptoms of celiac disease and its possible complications, such as osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
In the case of celiac disease, diagnosis often involves blood tests and a biopsy. As discussed in this eMedTV article, diagnosing celiac disease can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, such as Crohn's disease.
As explained on this eMedTV Web page, celiac disease screening involves using blood tests to check for the presence of antibodies in people who show no symptoms of the disease. Relatives of people with celiac disease may wish to undergo screening.
Celiac disease treatment usually involves following a gluten-free diet. This portion of the eMedTV library explains how adhering to a gluten-free diet will heal existing intestinal damage and prevent further damage in most cases of celiac disease.
People who have a sensitivity to gluten may need to avoid sources of it in their diet. This eMedTV page offers detailed information for those following a gluten-free diet, including how to identify hidden sources of gluten and foods to eat instead.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin rash that is linked to celiac disease. This eMedTV article explains how a gluten-free diet can be useful in treating dermatitis herpetiformis. Not everyone with celiac disease develops this condition.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, there is a relationship between celiac disease and osteoporosis -- untreated celiac disease can cause osteoporosis. This article explains how celiac disease may lead to osteoporosis and discusses good bone health.
Approximately 2 million Americans have celiac disease. Statistics on celiac disease, as noted in this eMedTV article, also indicate that as many as 1 in 22 people with first-degree relatives who have the disorder will be diagnosed with the disease.
A diet for celiac disease contains no gluten. This section of the eMedTV Web site explains why following a gluten-free diet is so important for people with celiac disease and provides tips on how to adhere to such a diet when going out to eat.
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