Celiac disease is a common problem of the digestive system, with symptoms of weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, general weakness, mouth ulcers, and bloating. It is a disease of malnourishment where the body has trouble absorbing gluten, which is a common part of many breads, pastas, cookies, and crusts. It is a protein in wheat and you can imagine how many other foods not mentioned also have gluten in them.

How does Celiac disease happen? It is one of the autoimmune diseases, meaning that the body’s own immune system attacks part of the digestive tract involved in absorbing nutrients. The vili (singlluar = “vilus”), which are tiny, finger-like projections that line our intestines are where nutrients are absorbed. They are flattened as a result of the inflammatory response in Celiac disease. Following this, the body is unable to absorb the nutrients it needs and the person loses weight. In a baby this is described as “failure to thrive.” This is where an infant does not gain weight as it should and can be caused by many different problems.

You are at increased risk of Celiac disease if you are of European descent. Further, if you suffer from other autoimmune problems like lupus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis, you are more likely to develop Celiac disease.

Diagnosis of Celiac disease is often made when a person who is suspected of having it eliminating gluten from their diet. If their symptoms improve, then Celiac is likely the diagnosis and they can continue to eat a gluten-free diet for treatment. The ultimate diagnosis is made from a tissue biopsy of flattened vili that line the digestive tract. A blood test can also be done to measure certain antibody levels, which are high in Celiac disease.

With Celiac disease if no diet changes are made, a person will waste away with malnourishment. Bone loss can happen as calcium and vitamin D levels go down as well. The good news is that with a gluten-free diet, a person with Celiac disease leads a normal, healthy life. If you are concerned that you suffer from Celiac disease, please see your family doctor and they can help you.