The latest research shows that patients experiencing frequent gastrointestinal upset may in fact have Celiac Disease. Find out what to look out for, when and why you should get tested, and why you should not make your own diagnosis.
Celiac disease is known to affect only 1 in 100 people, but only one-tenth of those cases have been diagnosed, because it manifests in different ways.
A Mayo Clinic Gastroenterologist, Joseph Murray M.D., recommends that people who suffer from frequent gastrointestinal upset get tested for celiac disease.
Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by gluten products, such as pasta, breads and all foods containing wheat, barley and rye.
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When persons with celiac disease consume gluten, an immune reaction in the small intestine damages the lining of the intestine. This damage then interferes with digestion and the body's ability to absorb nutrients. The symptoms of Celiac disease include, bloating, diarrhea, gas and weight loss.
Unfortunately, celiac disease is often mistake for other disease with similar symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. More importantly, the nutritional deficiency caused by celiac disease can lead to anemia, premature osteoporosis, nervous system problems, some cancers and dementia. Celiac disease can also manifest as unexplained infertility, or children who fail to grow.
The most effective treatment is a gluten-free diet, patients feel better after a few days of excluding gluten from their diet. However it is important to be diagnosed professionally before excluding gluten from your diet. Taking such action preceding a diagnostic test can result in false -negative readings.
There is no need for alarm before diagnosis but if symptoms match and you are experiencing frequent gastrointestinal upset then a test for celiac is certainly recommended.
When an upset stomach can actually be celiac disease
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