Do you often have gas in your stomach? Do you often suffer from bloating, flatulence, and other problems? Many people think that these are just normal stomach problems. But sometimes there may be a deeper cause behind this, such as Celiac Disease. This is something that affects not only the stomach, but many other parts of the body.
What is Celiac Disease?
Simply put, celiac disease is an abnormal response of our body's immune system to a protein called gluten . Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. That means it's in many of the foods we eat, like bread, pasta, cakes, and biscuits.
When a person with celiac disease eats food containing gluten, their own immune system begins to attack their own small intestine. This damages the delicate tissues inside the small intestine. This damage causes the body to not be able to properly absorb the nutrients it needs from the food we eat. This is called `malabsorption`. This is the main reason for many of the symptoms.
Think about it, the way this disease affects each person is very different. The symptoms you have may not be the same as those of another person. Sometimes , even without any symptoms, this disease can be present inside the body, damaging the intestines. This is why it sometimes takes a while for doctors to diagnose it correctly.
Stomach upset and digestive system symptoms
The most well-known and common symptoms of celiac disease are digestive problems. These are common in both adults and young children.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Bloating (diarrhea) | Prolonged, watery stools. |
| Stomach bloating and gas | Feeling of stomach discomfort and bloating after eating. |
| Stomach ache | Frequent stomach pain. |
| Constipation | Some people may experience constipation instead of diarrhea. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting with loss of appetite. |
| Weight loss | Unexplained weight loss despite eating well. |
| Abnormal stools (especially in children) | Pale, oily-looking, foul-smelling stool. |
Symptoms beyond stomach upset
Celiac disease is not just a disease of the stomach. It can affect the entire body by preventing the body from absorbing nutrients. These are the hidden symptoms that many people are unaware of.
| Other symptoms in adults | Other symptoms in children |
|---|---|
| Dermatitis Herpetiformis (itchy, blistering skin condition) | Anemia caused by iron deficiency |
| Anemia caused by iron deficiency | Short stature |
| Thinning of bones (Osteoporosis) or softening of bones (Osteomalacia) | Damage to tooth enamel |
| Mouth ulcers | Delayed puberty |
| Frequent headaches or migraines | Irritability |
| Tingling and burning in the limbs (Peripheral Neuropathy) | Difficulty paying attention (ADHD) |
| Joint pain | Learning disabilities |
| Fatigue | Neurological symptoms such as seizures |
| Depression and Anxiety | Depression and anxiety |
Symptoms specific to women and men
In addition to common symptoms, celiac disease can also affect the reproductive health of women and men differently.
| How it affects women | How it affects men |
|---|---|
| Unexplained infertility | Testicular dysfunction |
| Irregular or stopped menstrual cycle | Changes in sperm count or movement |
| Frequent miscarriages or stillbirths | Infertility |
| Early menopause | Osteoporosis |
How it affects young children
Symptoms in young children usually start to appear when they are experiencing significant physical or mental stress. For example, when an exam is approaching, when they are away from home, or when they have a serious illness. In addition to stomach upset, they may experience:
- Delayed puberty
- Growth problems
- Depression
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Mouth sores
When should I see a doctor?
This is very important. If you think you or your child has one or more of the symptoms mentioned in this article, definitely see your doctor. Don't just assume you have an illness based on the internet.
It's especially wise to get tested for celiac disease, especially if someone in your family (mother, father, sibling, child) has it, even if you don't have symptoms, because it can be hereditary.
Seek medical advice immediately if your child has the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea or stomach upset that lasts more than two weeks.
- If the child is pale and often angry.
- Height increases as appropriate for age, unless weight increases.
- If the belly is protruding, but the limbs are thin.
- If the stools have an unusual appearance or odor.
The treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free diet . But this should only be started under the advice of a doctor, after the diagnosis has been confirmed. Otherwise, if you stop eating gluten as you think, later tests may not be able to accurately identify the disease.
Take-Home Message
- Celiac disease is not just a stomach problem. It is an immune system problem that affects the entire body.
- The main reason for this is a protein called gluten, which is found in grains like wheat and barley.
- Symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have this disease without any symptoms.
- The treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet.
- If you suspect that you or your child has this disease, never start a diet on your own, but first see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න