What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease, a genetic disorder that may surface at any age, can be definitively diagnosed.
But because it shares symptoms with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, anemia and other conditions, patients go an average of 11 years between onset and accurate diagnosis, says Dr. Peter Green, director of Columbia University’s Celiac Disease Center.
Parents of small children with the condition may notice diarrhea (”22-diaper days” aren’t unheard of), irritability, lack of energy and bloated bellies. Left untreated, those with celiac can be at risk for osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies and even certain cancers.
A rare diet slip, like eating a few pretzels, may lead to minor misery but won’t cause serious damage to the villi, tiny protrusions on the small intestine that absorb nutrients.
But regularly eating even small amounts of gluten can be a problem. “If you suspect celiac, you should get a complete set of blood tests,” says Dr. Cynthia Rudert, an Atlanta specialist. Diagnosis is confirmed with biopsies of the small intestine. [via]
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06-10-08 at 7:49 pm
Where can I get gluten-free air?