Celiac Disease

Context

Celiac disease, traditionally considered more common in children, is now being increasingly detected among adults and elderly people. Doctors at PGIMS, Rohtak have reported a rise in atypical cases.

About Celiac Disease

1. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which consumption of gluten triggers an abnormal immune reaction.
   1. Gluten is a protein mainly found in wheat, barley and rye and may also occur in certain supplements, medicines and personal-care products.
2. In affected individuals, the immune response to gluten causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine.
   1. This reduces the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients, vitamins and minerals from food.
   2. Prolonged damage can therefore result in malabsorption and malnutrition, particularly affecting the growth and development of children.
3. The exact cause is not fully known, but the disease is associated with specific genetic factors combined with gluten consumption. Other possible contributing factors are still being studied.
4. The disease can occur at any age, with cases commonly appearing during early childhood (8–12 months) after introduction of gluten-containing foods and again during midlife (40–60 years).
5. Symptoms differ widely and some individuals may have no noticeable symptoms. Common manifestations include:
   1. Digestive: abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
   2. Nutritional/other: fatigue, paleness, weight loss, abnormal nails, dental enamel defects and reproductive problems.
   3. Children: poor growth or delayed development.
   4. Skin: dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy rash with small bumps or blisters, may occur in some patients.
6. Although it is generally not immediately life-threatening, untreated celiac disease can cause persistent nutritional deficiencies, intestinal damage and an increased risk of certain cancers.
7. The only established treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life, which helps control symptoms, prevent further intestinal injury and allows the small intestine to heal in most cases.

FAQs

Q1. What is celiac disease? 

An autoimmune disorder where gluten consumption triggers immune‑mediated damage to the small intestine.

Q2. What triggers the abnormal immune reaction in celiac disease? 

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye & some supplements, medicines & personal‑care products.

Q3. What are the main symptoms of celiac disease? 

Digestive issues (pain, bloating, diarrhoea), fatigue, weight loss, poor growth in children, dermatitis herpetiformis rash, and nutritional deficiencies.

Q4. At what ages does celiac disease commonly appear? 

Often during early childhood (8–12 months after gluten introduction) and again in midlife (40–60 years).

Q5. How is celiac disease treated? 

The only established treatment is a lifelong strict gluten‑free diet, which heals the intestine and prevents complications.