WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?
Celiac Disease is a lifelong condition that occurs with allergy and sensitivity to the protein called GLUTEN. It is a small intestine disease. Grains such as Wheat, Barley, Rye and Oats contain GLUTEN. As digested food moves through the small intestine, it is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa and mixed into the blood. The intestinal surface has a very large absorption surface with indentations called villi. It is thanks to this folded structure that our body can absorb enough food.
When Celiac Patients consume gluten-containing foods, the villus protrusions in the intestinal mucosa are destroyed and shrink due to allergy. Thus, the intestinal surface area gradually decreases. Accordingly, the food consumed becomes unabsorbable. As a result, symptoms of the disease develop due to malnutrition and insufficient intake of essential substances for the body.
SYMPTOMS
Perceptible complaints arising from foods containing gluten are mostly felt. It manifests itself after long periods of time, sometimes even years. The symptoms of the disease have a wide range depending on the extent of nutritional deficiency.
- Weakness
- Muscle weakness
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Growth retardation
- Wounds in the mouth
- Gas and swelling
- Joint and bone pain
- Nervousness
- Itchy rashes on the skin
- Impairment in liver functions
DIAGNOSIS METHOD
Celiac disease can occur at any age. Due to the wide distribution of symptoms, complaints of celiac patients It can sometimes be associated with other diseases, causing delays and errors in diagnosis.
Correct diagnosis is important because celiac disease causes many important changes in human health. Definitive diagnosis is made with blood tests and subsequent small intestine biopsy.
It is not possible to detect Celiac Disease with Allergy Tests, food sensitivity tests or any imaging method.
Celiac Disease. Diseases that may be associated with the disease are as follows:
What are the short and long-term risks of celiac disease if it cannot be treated?
- Protein and impaired fat absorption
- Growth retardation
- Anemia due to factors such as B12 and iron deficiency
- Calcium and vitamin K deficiency
- Increase in the coexistence of autoimmune diseases
- Bone resorption
- Infertility, miscarriage
- Depression
- Lymph node tumor
- Large and small intestine cancers
HOW IS IT TREATED?
The treatment of celiac disease is a strictly followed GLUTEN-FREE diet. If the diet is followed, the damaged small intestine surface regains its normal shape and functions.
Shortly after starting the diet, the complaints decrease significantly. The time it takes for complaints to disappear completely may vary depending on the degree of damage to the small intestine, the age of the patient, and other factors. As a result, as long as the diet is paid attention to, the patient usually does not have any complaints.
Needs to Be Careful. Important Considerations!!!
Keep gluten-containing and gluten-free foods in separate places due to the possibility of contact and mixing with each other.
Utensils such as forks, spoons, strainers, plates, etc. used while preparing gluten-containing foods should never come into contact with the foods of people with Celiac disease. It should not be given.
One eighth of a teaspoon of flour, wheat or bulgur is sufficient to cause damage to the small intestine. For this reason, it should be taken into consideration that almost all ready-made foods prepared outside contain flour.
There is no treatment alternative for celiac disease other than diet.
Having no complaints despite cheating on the diet does not mean that one can quit the diet.
Breaking or abandoning the diet can cause serious diseases that are much more difficult to treat.
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