Celiac disease is a condition found in 1 out of 10 Americans. It can also be called gluten intolerance, gluten enteropathy or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, non-tropical sprue, celiac sprue and endemic sprue. Celiac can be as simple as abdominal pain or a dreadful disease that can lead to cancer. Adults and children suffer alike. Unfortunately, only about 150,000 of these have been properly tested and diagnosed leaving millions of secret sufferers. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be overstated.
A person suffering from Celiac disease experiences intolerance in their abdomen, specifically the digestive system. The small intestine is damaged and thus the natural flow of foods from chewing to digestion is affected. Gliadin and glutenin cause this allergic reaction in the intestines and are the main types of gluten proteins. They are found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley.
It may require a number of tests to diagnose a celiac sufferer. The symptoms may be confused with other serious illnesses and the number of symptoms present will determine what type of medical tests the patient should submit to and what to undertake first. Even with extensive patient assessments of physical and psychological factors, a patient may be misdiagnosed.
To date, a gluten-free diet is the only means of treating celiac disease and wheat allergy. It means abstaining from foods that contain gluten protein. The secret to a wonderful life may be as easy as smart decisions and good food choices. There may be no need for surgeries or a lifetime of pills. Eating a gluten-free diet is an everyday habit of having a balanced gluten-free diet. A gluten-free lifestyle also requires knowing and making good food choices at the supermarket or when traveling.
People with celiac disease who do not adhere to a gluten-free diet show an increased risk factor of 40 to 100 times over the general population to develop gastrointestinal cancer.
Each year new doctors join the drive to cure celiac disease. Due to this, the typical tests on blood, genes and the digestive system now make it easier for the disease to be diagnosed and treated. As a celiac patient becomes symptom free, he may only need to see a specialist for small amounts of maintenance testing.
Various experts such as gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, general physicians and dieticians are the experts a potential celiac should consult. Additionally, there are many organizations and committees to help celiac patients.
If you suffer from gluten intolerance, please know that you are not alone. There are many others who suffer with you, and many who suffer while not even knowing why. But have hope! By arming yourself with knowledge about Celiac disease and by learning how to maintain a gluten-free diet, you can still live a happy (and comfortable) life.
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