Celiac symptoms: what are they and how are they managed?

Although celiac disease or celiac disease dates back to the beginnings of agriculture, and therefore of civilization, in recent years there has been a striking increase in awareness about this disease, to the point that many professionals have warned of the risk of overdiagnosis associated with the low reliability of the tests.

In this article we will describe the main celiac symptoms and signs, which affect both the gastrointestinal system and other functions of the body. We will also talk about the causes of this disease and the ways in which it can be managed, despite the fact that there is no treatment that solves the alterations that underlie the symptoms.

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What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation of the mucosa and shortening of the villi of the small intestine in response to the consumption of gluten, a set of proteins found in cereals such as wheat, oats, barley and rye.

It is a relatively unknown disorder in the general population; however, it is believed to affect 1 in 100 to 200 people to some degree. In this sense, it is important to bear in mind that the number of diagnoses is influenced by the strictness of the criteria used and by awareness of the disease.

Celiac disease can also be difficult to diagnose due to the fact that in many cases there are no symptoms or these are mild: many people with celiac disease report only mild discomfort gastrointestinal It is believed that only about 20% of all cases of this disease are diagnosed, and that affects women and Caucasians to a greater extent.

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Main celiac symptoms

The autoimmune reactions characteristic of celiac disease interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and can damage the mucosa that lines the intestine if the affected person consumes gluten in a habitual. These problems manifest themselves in symptoms and signs such as feeling fatigued, anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, and gas bloating.

In adults it is common for signs not associated with the digestive system to appear, in particular headaches, mouth ulcers, the appearance of rashes and itchy skin, joint pain and thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) and anemia due to lack of iron. Lesions in the nervous system can also occur.

On the other hand, when the affected person is less than 2 years old, the most significant signs are the appearance of chronic vomiting and diarrhea, decreased interest in food, bloating, and atrophy of the muscles. In slightly older children, diarrhea, constipation, neurological symptoms, headaches, or lack of coordination are characteristic.

In addition to the symptoms we have described, when celiac disease occurs in girls and young boys digestive disorders can cause delays and deficits in physical development that sometimes leave long-term sequelae. These complications are related to vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and problems absorbing nutrients.

Causes of this disease

Lesions in the villi that line and protect the small intestine, as well as inflammation of this segment of the system digestive system, alter its ability to absorb certain types of nutrients essential for the proper functioning of the organism. In particular interfere with the uptake of vitamins and minerals.

Although the specific cause of celiac disease is unknown, it is known that it appears as a result of a combination of genetic and other environmental factors. Thus, some people are biologically predisposed to react negatively when consuming gluten, and by doing so more or less regularly they could suffer intestinal damage.

Given the celiac disease has a significant genetic componentIt is not surprising that the likelihood of developing this disease is higher in people with close affected relatives. The same is true of other risk factors influenced by heredity, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus and diseases that affect the thyroid.

On the other hand, various alterations that affect the gastrointestinal system can favor the appearance of signs of celiac disease. Thus, the disease often begins to manifest as a consequence of viral infections. in the intestines, pregnancy and childbirth, invasive surgeries and periods of very stress intense.

Treatment and management

At present, there is no known treatment capable of correcting the disorders underlying celiac disease. This is why the intervention in these cases usually has the objective of preventing or minimizing the symptoms, and consists mainly of behavioral aspects and changes in habits food.

Therefore, celiac disease is managed by avoiding consuming foods and drinks with gluten. Some of the most common are bread, pastries, Italian pasta, beer and chocolate. Celiac sufferers are advised to make sure they buy gluten-free foods; This is especially relevant in the case of manufactured products.

Celiac people can benefit greatly from a gluten-free diet. This not only prevents the appearance of symptoms and reduces the severity of those that are already present, but also favors that the self-healing processes of the gastrointestinal system can take place correctly, alleviating the disease in the long run term.