How do I know if I have Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects many people worldwide. Understanding its symptoms, diagnosis process, and treatment is crucial for managing this condition effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore celiac disease in depth, helping you identify its signs and navigate the diagnostic journey.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly identifies gluten—a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley—as a threat. This triggers an immune response that attacks the lining of the small intestine. This attack damages the villi, small finger-like projections in the intestine responsible for nutrient absorption, leading to poor nutrient absorption, anemia, diarrhea, and a range of other symptoms.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease can present with a variety of symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch for:

• Anemia: Low iron levels in your blood, leading to fatigue and weakness.
• Anxiety and Depression: Mental health issues can be exacerbated by celiac disease due to nutrient deficiencies and inflammation.
• Arthritis and Joint Pain: Inflammation caused by celiac disease can lead to joint pain.
• Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or feeling spaced out can be a symptom of celiac disease.
• Digestive Issues: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas are common gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Discolored Teeth: White, yellow, or brown spots on teeth can indicate celiac disease.
• Fatigue: Chronic tiredness and lack of energy are common.
• Headaches and Migraines: Frequent headaches can be a sign of celiac disease.
• Infertility: Celiac disease can affect reproductive health, causing infertility in some women.
• Irritability: Mood swings, impatience, and outbursts, particularly in children, can be symptoms.
• Itchy Skin Rash: A rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis is a specific manifestation of celiac disease.
• Mouth Sores: Canker sores or ulcers in the mouth.
• Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones due to poor nutrient absorption.
• Tingling, Numbness, and Neuropathy: Nerve damage and discomfort.
• Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can also occur.

Even without symptoms, it is still possible to be diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Some individuals are completely asymptomatic.

Genetic Factors

Celiac disease is genetic, meaning you must have certain genes to develop it. The genes most commonly associated with celiac disease are HLA DQ 2.5 and HLA DQ 8. However, possessing these genes does not guarantee you will develop the disease. It’s estimated that 30-40% of the population has one or more of these genetic markers, but only 1% will actually develop celiac disease. This equates to about 1 in 133 Americans. Moreover, a significant number of people with celiac disease are either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Regular screening is especially important for those with a family history of celiac disease.

Diagnosis Process

Getting an accurate diagnosis of celiac disease involves several steps. The typical process followed:

1. Continue Eating Gluten: Before testing, it’s important to continue consuming gluten. This is necessary because the testing requires your body to be actively mounting an immune response to gluten.
2. Blood Work: The first test typically involves a comprehensive blood panel, including tests for total IgA, tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-IgA and tTG-IgG), deaminated gliadin peptide antibodies (DGP-IgA and DGP-IgG), and endomysial antibodies (EMA-IgA).
3. Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy: If blood tests indicate the presence of celiac disease, an upper endoscopy with a biopsy of the small intestine is performed. This is the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease in the United States.

Common Triggers

Scientists still don’t know exactly what causes Celiac Disease. Onset can strike at any age. Research suggests stressful events often trigger the onset. Common triggers include:

• Trauma
• Illness
• Childbirth
• Puberty
• Stress

Gut Microbiome

A strong gut microbiome can help protect against the development of celiac disease. Maintaining gut health through a balanced diet, managing stress, probiotics, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics can strengthen your gut microbiome and potentially reduce the risk of celiac disease. Be sure to eat variety, aiming to eat the rainbow over the course of a week. Following a primarily whole food diet will go a long way to protect your gut.

Treatment

Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. There are no medications that can cure celiac disease or completely mitigate its effects. While gluten-ease products might help with accidental exposure; they cannot prevent the immune response in celiac disease.

Other Conditions Related to Gluten

It’s important to note that other conditions can cause reactions to gluten, including:

• Wheat Allergy: An actual allergy to wheat itself.
• Thyroid Conditions: Gluten can mimic thyroid tissue, causing an immune response.
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: A skin rash that is a form of celiac disease.
• Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Sensitivity to gluten without the autoimmune response of celiac disease.
• Silent or Asymptomatic Celiac Disease: Often detected during preventive screenings when you have known family members with Celiac Disease.

Regular screening, especially for those with a family history of celiac disease, is recommended. Early detection can minimize intestinal damage and nutrient deficiencies.

Conclusion

Understanding celiac disease and its symptoms is crucial for managing your health. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, consult a healthcare professional for proper testing and diagnosis. Adopting a gluten-free diet is essential for those diagnosed with celiac disease, and maintaining a strong gut microbiome can provide additional protection. Stay informed and proactive about your health to manage celiac disease effectively. Come back next week to learn about what to do once you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease.