Celiac disease is curable without medicine.

 Celiac disease is curable without medicine.

Abbreviated version

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the small intestine, it is also referred to as Coeliac disease. The illness known as celiac disease is brought on by an immune response to gluten consumption. The protein gluten is present in foods produced from wheat, barley, or rye.

Celiac disease

Reasons for Celiac Disease.

1. Gluten Intolerance: A negative reaction to gluten, a protein present in some grains, causes celiac disease. People who have celiac disease develop antibodies to fight off gluten because their immune system misinterprets it as a threat.
2. Genetic Basis: Celiac disease is strongly influenced by genetics. Certain genetic markers (like variations of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8) are linked to an increased risk, and they tend to run in families.

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract:

• The small intestinal tract normally contains millions of villi, which are tiny structures that resemble fingers.
• Villi increases the surface area of the gut, aiding in nutrient absorption.
• The intestinal lining is harmed by the immune response in celiac disease, which causes the villi to flatten.
• Symptoms arise when nutrient digestion and absorption are hampered by reduced villi function.

Common symptoms of celiac disease:

1. Abdominal pain and bloating, fatigue and weakness, chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and celiac disease can all result in deficiencies in vital nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Skin rashes (Dermatitis herpetiformis) can also be caused by celiac disease.
2. It typically appears as small, red, raised bumps or blisters, often on the elbows, knees, or buttocks. Nerve damage, disorders affecting coordination and speech (ataxia), and problems with fertility can also occur. Delayed growth in children. 

Diagnosis:

Coeliac Disease Blood Testing:

• Your GP will typically order specific blood tests to check for antibodies related to coeliac disease. These antibodies are produced in response to eating gluten. When it comes to diagnosing coeliac disease, blood tests play a crucial role. 
• Tests for specific antibodies associated with celiac disease are performed on blood samples. A gluten-related immunological response is indicated by elevated levels of these antibodies.

The video explains about treatment for Celiac

• Genetic Testing: Checking for specific genetic markers (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 variants) associated with celiac disease.
• Biopsy: A sample of the small intestine lining is analyzed to confirm the diagnosis. During testing, it’s essential to continue eating foods containing gluten to ensure accurate results.
• The two main blood tests used for diagnosing coeliac disease in adults and children are:
• Total immunoglobulin A (IgA): This measures the overall level of IgA in your blood. It’s essential because some people with coeliac disease may have an IgA deficiency. IgA Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG): Elevated levels of tTG antibodies indicate an immune reaction to gluten.

Complications:

• Osteoporosis: Long-term complications can occur if gluten is not eliminated from the diet. Anemia: iron deficiency anemia and deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate.
• Cancer Risk: Some types of cancers, such as bowel cancer, are more common in untreated celiac disease.
• Pregnancy Issues: Problems affecting pregnancy, including low birth weight in babies.

Celiac disease is indeed a serious condition.

Autoimmune Reaction to Gluten:

When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage affects nutrient absorption, leading to various symptoms and potential complications.

What are the stages of celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a complex condition, and its progression can be understood through different frameworks. Let’s explore the stages:

Marsh Score System:

The Marsh Score system is commonly used to assess celiac-related damage to the small intestine. It categorizes the stages based on histological changes observed during a biopsy. Here are the three main stages:

Stage 1: An increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) without significant changes in the crypt/villus ratio.

Stage 2: In addition to increased IELs, there’s an increase in crypt depth without a reduction in villus height.

Stage 3: Further damage with flattened villi and increased IELs. Stage 3 has three substages:

3a: Partial villous atrophy.

3b: Subtotal villous atrophy.

3c: Total villous atrophy.

Clinical Phenotypes:

Beyond the Marsh Score system, celiac disease presents in various clinical phenotypes:

Gastrointestinal: Classic symptoms include abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue.

Extraintestinal: These symptoms affect other organs or systems, such as skin (dermatitis herpetiformis), joints, or the nervous system.

Subclinical: minimal or no symptoms but detectable intestinal damage.

Potential: Positive serology (blood tests) without evident intestinal damage.

Seronegative: negative blood tests despite intestinal damage.

Non-responsive: persistent symptoms despite a gluten-free diet.

Refractory: Continued damage despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Age and Life Stages:

Celiac disease symptoms can vary by age.

Infants: symptoms may include anorexia, failure to thrive, and vomiting.

Children and teens: abdominal symptoms, growth issues, and fatigue.

Adults: Wider range of symptoms, including fatigue, anemia, and skin rash.

Older Adults/Seniors: Similar to adults but with additional considerations.

How do I know if I'm celiac?

If you suspect you might have celiac disease, here’s what you should consider:

Risk Factors:

Genetics: Coeliac disease often runs in families. If you have a close relative with it, your risk increases. Identical twins have a high chance of both developing the condition.

HLA-DQ Genes: Genetic mutations affecting the HLA-DQ genes (responsible for immune system development) play a role.

Environmental Factors: Early childhood digestive infections (like rotavirus) may increase the risk.

Chromosomal Disorders: Conditions like Turner syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Down syndrome are associated.

Other Autoimmune Diseases: Having Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or Addison’s disease raises the risk.

Oats and Avenin:

Some people with celiac disease may react to oatmeal.Oats also contain a protein called avenin, similar to gluten. Most can tolerate avenin, but a few may still be sensitive.

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH):

DH is frequently referred to as "skin-related celiac disease." A rash with severe itching and burning sensations is the hallmark of this chronic skin condition.

Appearance: The rash is made up of tiny blisters filled with fluid, and it usually appears on the knees, elbows, scalp, back of the neck, and buttocks.

Itchiness: The intensity of the itch and burning helps differentiate DH from other skin conditions.

Confirmation: A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis, and most patients with DH also have involvement of the small intestine (similar to celiac disease).

Treatment: A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is essential, along with possible medications.

Gluten-Free Diet: 

There’s no cure for celiac disease, but managing it involves following a strict gluten-free diet. 

• This means avoiding foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.
• The cornerstone of managing celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. Fortunately, there’s now a wider range of gluten-free options available.
• Health and Balance: It’s essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet even while avoiding gluten. Importance of a Gluten-Free Diet:
• Even mild symptoms warrant dietary changes because continuing to eat gluten can lead to serious complications.

Not to eat by celiac patients

If you have celiac disease, it’s crucial to avoid foods that contain gluten. 

• Cereals and Grains, Wheat,  products like bread, pasta, and couscous.
• Rye: Rye bread, rye crackers, and other rye-containing foods.
• Barley: barley-based products, malt (used in beer and some processed foods), and barley flour.
• Oats: (certified gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive to gluten.)
• Pastries and other baked goods:
• Processed Foods:
• Canned Soups: Some soups contain wheat-based thickeners.
• Cold Cuts: Deli meats may have gluten-containing additives.
• Sauces and Gravies: Many sauces and gravies use wheat flour as a thickener.
• Dairy Products:
• Processed Cheese
• Sour Cream

Symptom Improvement and Healing:

1. Quick Wins: Within weeks of starting a gluten-free diet, you should notice considerable improvement in your symptoms.

2. Long-Term Healing: However, it may take a few years for your digestive system to heal completely.

3. Annual Reviews:

Your GP will offer you an annual review. They’ll measure your height and weight, review your symptoms, and assess whether you need further help or specialized nutritional advice.

It’s like a yearly check-in with your body.!

Celiac disease self-care

Living with celiac disease can be challenging, but practicing self-care is essential for maintaining your overall well-being. Here are some practical self-care tips specifically tailored for those with celiac disease:

Keep Up with Medical Appointments:

Regular check-ups and testing are crucial. Beyond avoiding gluten, monitoring your vitamin levels and overall health is essential. Your healthcare provider can guide you on this journey.

Adopt the Buddy System:

Making lifestyle changes is easier when you have support. Involve friends and family—they can help you stay motivated, share gluten-free recipes, and even join you in exploring new dining options.

Have Fun in the Kitchen:

Following a gluten-free diet can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Try new recipes, experiment with gluten-free flour, and discover tasty alternatives.

Stay Active:

Regular exercise benefits everyone, including those with celiac disease. Whether it’s a walk, run, yoga, or dancing in your living room, moving your body helps reduce stress and supports overall health.

Talk to a Therapist:

Living with a chronic condition can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Consider speaking to a therapist or counselor. They can provide coping strategies, help manage anxiety, and offer emotional support.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether eating gluten is healthy for us, we continue to do so. Pay attention to the symptoms. Early identification is essential for successful management of celiac disease, which can present in a variety of ways. See a medical professional right away if you suspect any symptoms.