Celiac Sprue is a serious genetic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, leading to inflammation and damage to the small intestine’s villi, tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from food. Over time, this damage can cause malnutrition, and other health problems, and increase the risk of developing other autoimmune disorders.
Celiac Sprue affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. It is more common in individuals of European descent and tends to be diagnosed in adults, although it can develop at any age. Many cases remain undiagnosed, as symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions.
Continuing to eat gluten can lead to ongoing damage to the small intestine, resulting in persistent symptoms, malnutrition, and an increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders or intestinal cancers.
Yes, Celiac Sprue can develop at any age, even in individuals who previously tolerated gluten without issues. It is important to seek medical advice if symptoms develop later in life.
Pure, uncontaminated oats are generally safe for most people with Celiac Sprue, but they should be introduced cautiously and monitored, as some individuals may still react to avenin, a protein found in oats.
Yes, Celiac Disease can cause complications beyond the digestive system. Untreated celiac disease may lead to issues like osteoporosis, anemia, neurological disorders, skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis), and reproductive problem
Even with mild or no symptoms, Celiac Disease can still be diagnosed through blood tests that detect specific antibodies related to gluten intake. If these tests are positive, a biopsy of the small intestine may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis, even without symptoms, is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
Risk factors for Celiac Disease include a family history of the condition, certain genetic markers (like HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8), autoimmune disorders (such as type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease), and other genetic conditions, like Down syndrome. These factors increase the likelihood of developing Celiac Disease, which causes an immune response to gluten.
Consult your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea or digestive discomfort that lasts for more than two weeks. Consult your child’s healthcare provider if your child feels irritable, not growing properly, has a potbelly, and has foul-smelling, bulky stools.
Celiac disease tends to run in families. If someone in your family has the condition, ask your healthcare provider if you should be tested. Also ask about testing if you or someone in your family has a risk factor for Celiac Disease, such as type 1 diabetes.
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