Uncovering the Enigma: Understanding the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with celiac disease, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, and it is estimated that 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected. In this article, we will dive deep into the diagnosis of celiac disease, providing insights into what it is, how to diagnose it and its implications.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and disturbs the absorption of critical nutrients from food. The disease arises when an individual consumes gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten, which is found in numerous foods we eat daily as a protein, is intolerable and toxic to individuals with celiac disease.
How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of celiac disease can be challenging, as the symptoms are not the same for everyone, and they may overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders. A certified healthcare professional can carry out celiac disease tests, including blood tests such as AGA-IgA/IgG, EMA, TGA, and DGP, among others. Newer tests such as IgA-tTG and IgG-DGP are also available, and they are considered to be accurate in detecting the presence of celiac disease antibodies.
The physician may also perform an endoscopy or biopsy of the small intestine to conclusively diagnose celiac disease. During an endoscopy, a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end is passed through the mouth into the stomach and the small intestine. The endoscope helps the doctor visualize the intestines and take a biopsy from it. The biopsy samples are then analyzed under a microscope to confirm the damage due to celiac disease.
Implications of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease has significant implications on an individual’s overall health, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated. In the short term, celiac disease can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Long term consequences include anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological and bone disorders, among others.
Some individuals with celiac disease may also develop a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, leading to similar symptoms, which they can avoid by going gluten-free. The only treatment option for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet strictly. Implementing a gluten-free diet can help reduce various symptoms associated with celiac disease and encourage the healing of the intestinal lining. Engaging with a registered dietitian can be helpful in designing an appropriately balanced and healthy diet plan for individuals living with celiac disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that requires accurate and timely diagnosis to limit its impact on an individual’s health. It affects 1 in 100 people worldwide, and the symptoms are highly variable and may overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders. The diagnosis of celiac disease requires a blood test, an endoscopy, and a biopsy of the small intestine. If diagnosed with celiac disease, the only treatment option is to implement a strict gluten-free diet to manage symptoms, heal the intestinal lining, and limit long term health implications.
