What happens if Celiac Disease is left untreated? Let's be aware of these complications

Do you often experience stomach pain, bloating, and flatulence after eating certain foods, especially bread and crackers? You may have been suffering from this problem for years, but you may not have been able to find a reason. The cause of this is unknown to many, but it can be a very serious medical condition. Today we are talking about Celiac Disease and the serious complications it can cause to our body if it is not treated properly.

What exactly is Celiac Disease?

Simply put, celiac disease is a condition in which your body's immune system reacts against a protein called gluten . Gluten is found in grains like wheat and barley. When a person with this disease eats something that contains gluten, their own immune system starts attacking their body from within. This attack is directed directly at our small intestine .

Think of our small intestine as a carpet with tiny finger-like structures (villi) that absorb nutrients. This is where we absorb all the nutrients in the food we eat. In celiac disease, these finger-like structures are destroyed by the immune system. Then, no matter how well we eat, we can't absorb the vitamins and minerals in those foods. This is the root of all problems.

The treatment is to completely avoid gluten-containing foods for life. When you do this, the damaged small intestine gradually begins to heal. But many people go for years without knowing they have the disease. That's when serious complications arise.

The first problems that arise if left untreated

When the disease goes undiagnosed for a period of time, various problems begin to arise due to the damage done to the small intestine.

Lactose intolerance

The enzyme that helps digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, is produced in the small intestine. So when the small intestine is damaged by celiac disease, the production of this enzyme decreases. The result is that when you eat things like milk, yogurt, and cheese, you feel full, have stomach cramps, and feel like you're going to pass out. But the good news is that once you switch to a gluten-free diet and your gut heals, this condition will largely go away.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

This is one of the most severe consequences of celiac disease. Because the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients, the body becomes deficient in many essential nutrients.

Other serious conditions that may develop over time

If the immune system has been attacking the small intestine for a long time without the disease being recognized, the problem is not limited to the digestive system.

• Cancer risk: Don't be alarmed by this. But it's important to know the truth. People with untreated celiac disease, especially those diagnosed at an older age, have a very small risk of developing lymphoma , a type of cancer that starts in the intestines. This is because the immune system's lymphocytes are overactive for a long time.

• Fertility Problems: Untreated women may have difficulty conceiving, have frequent miscarriages, and have low birth weight babies. Male fertility may also be affected. This is due to nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances in the body.

• Nervous system diseases: Some people experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the limbs. This is called peripheral neuropathy . Also, ataxia, a condition in which the body cannot be controlled while walking, can occur. This is also caused by things like vitamin B deficiency.

• Effects on other organs: The small intestine is a place that constantly communicates with other organs in the body. Therefore, problems can occur in organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Also, long-term physical discomfort and nutritional deficiencies can lead to mental problems such as anxiety and depression .

How does this affect young children?

This disease can affect children just as much as adults, if not more so. Nutrition is essential for a child's growth. So if it is not properly absorbed, serious problems can arise.

• Stunting: The child loses his or her normal height and weight for his or her age. He or she may appear much thinner and shorter than other children.
• Dental problems: Tooth enamel may become weak, teeth may change color, and they may decay quickly.
• Delayed Puberty: Due to a lack of nutrition, puberty in both boys and girls may be delayed.
• Intussusception: This is a serious condition that requires emergency medical attention. This is when one part of the intestine becomes trapped inside another.

So if your child has frequent stomach upsets or a growth problem, definitely see a doctor and talk about it. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and introduced to a gluten-free diet, the better the child's future.

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