Dietician
Karolina Dobrowolska-Zrałka
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the population around the world. Its occurrence is closely related to gluten intolerance, protein present in wheat, life, barley and other cereals. People suffering from celiac disease must strictly follow a gluten -free diet to avoid health -serious complications. Below you will find more information about what exactly celiac disease is, what its symptoms are and how to deal with this disease in everyday life.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease, also known as gluten -dependent enteropathy, is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people. It is characterized by intolerance to gluten, i.e. protein found in wheat, barley and life. The intake of gluten leads to an immune response that damages the small intestine mucosa. This, in turn, results in disorders of the absorption of nutrients, leading to numerous health complications.Celiac disease pathophysiology
The celiac disease mechanism is based on interaction between genes, gluten and immune system. In genetically predisposed (with HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes), gluten acts as an antigen that is recognized by cells presenting the antigen in the intestine. This activates T lymphocytes that destroy enterocytes - cells lining the small intestine. The destructive replacement leads to the disappearance of intestinal villi, which disrupts the absorption process of nutrients.Epidemiology of celiac disease
Celiac disease is a global health problem, although its incidence varies depending on the region and the population. It is estimated that it affects about 1% of the population around the world. At the same time, due to the variety of symptoms, many patients remain undiagnosed. Epidemiological differences may be associated with genetic and dietary factors as well as the degree of awareness and the availability of diagnostics.Gluten intolerance and celiac disease - differences
Celiac disease It is an autoimmune disease in which gluten consumption leads to damage to the small intestine. In turn, gluten intolerance, also known as sensitivity to gluten unrelated to celiac disease, is characterized by the occurrence of celiac -like symptoms, but without the presence of damage to the intestinal mucosa and without immune markers celiac disease.Operation mechanisms
In the case of celiac disease, the immune response is caused by specific peptides contained in Glutena, which are presented by cells presenting the T -antigenic antigen. As a result, inflammation arises that leads to the destruction of intestinal villi. However, in gluten intolerance, the mechanism is not thoroughly understood, but it is believed that it may include both the immune and non -immune response to gluten.Differences
The basic differences between celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be summarized as follows:- Immunology: Celiac disease is the result of a specific immune response. Gluten intolerance does not involve autoimmune mechanisms.
- Intestinal damage: In celiac disease, intestinal villi occurs, while in gluten intolerance such damage is not present.
- Diagnostics: Celiac disease is diagnosed with specific serological tests and thin intestines biopsy, while gluten intolerance is diagnosed on the basis of exclusion of other disorders and observation of symptoms after eliminating gluten from the diet.
How to diagnose celiac disease?
1. Serological
The first step in the diagnosis of celiac disease are serological tests, which include:- Antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (TTG): The most used and most sensitive test.
- Antibodies against endomisium (EMA): A very specific but less sensitive test.
- Antibodies of deamidated peptide glyadine (DGP): An alternative for patients with negative TTG results, especially children.
2. Baby -bin
If the results of serological tests suggest celiac disease, the next step is the small intestine biopsy. Taking samples from the duodenum allows you to assess the degree of damage to the intestinal villi. The biopsy is considered a golden diagnostic standard in celiac disease and allows you to confirm the diagnosis.3. Modern diagnostic methods
The development of medical technologies has brought new diagnostic methods, such as: Genetic tests: determining the presence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes can help exclude celiac disease, but their presence does not confirm the disease. Capsule endoscopy: It allows you to visualize the small intestine and can be helpful in the diagnosis of difficult cases.Celiac disease - symptoms
Gastroenterological symptoms
Celiac disease can manifest with various gastroenterological symptoms such as:- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
Parenteral symptoms
Celiac disease is not limited to the digestive tract. Parental symptoms may include:- Iron deficiency anemia
- Osteoporosis
- Neurological disorders such as epilepsy or peripheral neuropathy
- Skin problems such as herpes dermatitis herpetiformis)
Asymptomatic celiac disease
Some patients have asymptomatic celiac disease, also known as quiet celiac disease. Despite the lack of clear symptoms, these people have intestinal damage and long -term complications such as osteoporosis or infertility may occur.Celiac disease - gluten -free diet
Basics of a gluten -free diet
Celiac disease treatment is based primarily on a strict gluten -free diet throughout your life. Elimination of gluten from the diet allows for regeneration of intestinal villi and reduction of symptoms.Gluten -free products
People with celiac disease must avoid products containing wheat, barley and rye. The list of allowed products includes:- Rice
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Soy
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Millet
The role of a gluten -free diet in the treatment of celiac disease
A gluten -free diet is the only effective treatment of celiac disease. Immediate use of the diet after diagnosis significantly improves the quality of life of patients, reduces the risk of complications and supports the regeneration of damaged intestinal mucosa. Despite the benefits, a gluten -free diet may be demanding. Patients must read the labels carefully, avoid cross -contamination and be aware of hidden sources of gluten. Dietary support and education are important in effective management of gluten -free diet.A guide for people with celiac disease
How to deal with celiac disease every day?
Living with celiac disease requires precise planning.- Meal planning - Preparing meals at home from controlled ingredients.
- Shopping - thorough checking of food labels.
- Eating meals outside the home - informing the restaurant about dietary needs and selecting places from the gluten -free menu.
Psychological and social support
Coping with celiac disease can be stressful, which is why psychological support and social networks are extremely helpful. Joining support groups and the use of specialists can significantly facilitate disease management.Practical councils on the preparation of meals and purchases
- Shopping - Choose products marked as "gluten -free" and avoid those that may contain trace amounts of gluten.
- Preparation of meals - Use separate kitchen tools to avoid cross pollution.
- Food storage - Store gluten -free products separately from other products.
Footnotes
Ludvigsson JF, Leffler Da, Bai JC, et al. The Oslo Definitions for Coeliac Disease and Related Terms. Gut. 2013; 62 (1): 43-52. Rubio-Tapia A, Hill ID, Kelly CP, Calderwood AH, Murray JA. ACG clinical guidelines: diagnosis and management of celiac disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108(5):656-676. Green PH, Cellier C. Celiac disease. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(17):1731-1743. Lebwohl B, Sanders DS, Green PH. Coeliac disease. Lancet. 2018;391(10115):70-81. Catassi C, Bai JC, Bonaz B, et al. Non-Celiac Gluten sensitivity: the new frontier of gluten-related disorders. Nutrients. 2013;5(10):3839-3853.Looking for a nutritious and filling meal?
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