People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and other foods. This eMedTV article takes a look at this disorder, including the damage it can cause in the body, symptoms that may occur, and how it can be 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.
Common symptoms of celiac disease include chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, and others. This eMedTV page describes several signs and symptoms of this condition and its possible complications, such as osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
As this eMedTV segment explains, diagnosing celiac disease often involves blood tests and a biopsy. Diagnosing this 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 segment of the eMedTV archives explains how a gluten-free diet can be useful in treating this condition and that not everyone with celiac disease develops it.
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.
As this eMedTV page explains, a diet for celiac disease contains no gluten. This article 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.
