Tag Archives: celiac disease

Celiac Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Diet Plan

Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in some grain products such as barley, wheat, and rye. It helps maintain the food’s shape, keeps it moist and chewy, and makes the bread rise and look fluffy. Gluten may be harmless, tasteless, and odorless to some people. However, it can be fatal for many unlucky individuals.

People with such sensitivity to the food ingredient gluten most likely have a condition called celiac disease. It is usually diagnosed by an allergy specialist doctor. But if you suspect of having this condition, it is best to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment.

What is a celiac disease?

It is said that one in 100 people around the world has celiac disease. To help manage this condition, you should visit an allergy clinic near you to prevent further complications that can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

This condition is considered an autoimmune disease wherein digestion of foods containing gluten can trigger allergic reactions. Worse, it can cause irreversible damage in the small intestine and largely affect your digestion. To begin with, celiac disease may not be easily detected as its symptoms vary from person to person.

As mentioned, celiac disease is triggered when a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Upon consumption of food containing gluten, it triggers an immune response that causes damage to the small intestine particularly the villi. These finger-like things line up the intestine and aid in the absorption of nutrients. However, damaged villi can affect nutrient absorption and food digestion in general.

Celiac disease may occur either in childhood or in adulthood. However, it is believed that this condition runs in the family, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an allergist doctor to know if you inherited the condition. Nevertheless, the exact cause of the celiac disease is relatively unknown.

Causes and symptoms

As mentioned, both children and adults can be afflicted with celiac disease. However, symptoms may vary between both. For example, adults who have or are suspected to have this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms.

  • Diarrhea/constipation
  • A feeling of bloating and excess gas
  • Sleep problems which can lead to chronic fatigue
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Anemia due to iron deficiency
  • Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting
  • Presence of rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Mouth sores
  • Tingling sensation in the hands and feet due to an injury in the nervous system
  • Balance and cognitive problems
  • Hyposplenism (a condition that affects spleen function)

On the other hand, children may experience symptoms different from those of adults. It is also said that children may be more prone to digestive issues than adults. One possible reason is that their digestive system is not yet as mature as adults. Among common symptoms of celiac disease in children include:

  • Constipation/diarrhea
  • Excessive gas
  • Bloating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stools that may have an unbearable smell

If you suspect your child has the condition, it is important to have him/her get an allergy testing procedure for proper treatment. Otherwise, it can affect digestion and lack of nutrient absorption can lead to:

  • Weak teeth
  • Weight loss
  • Headaches
  • A tendency to throw frequent tantrums
  • Anemia due to iron deficiency
  • Delays in growth and puberty
  • Learning and muscle coordination problems
  • Death especially in infants

What to have and not to have in a gluten diet

People with celiac disease should follow a strict gluten-free diet. Likewise, it is important to identify certain foods that contain gluten but does not explicitly state it in the food label. You can consult an allergy doctor regarding gluten-free foods you can indulge in.

Some wheat-based products that usually contain gluten include the following:

  • Semolina (common in couscous and pasta)
  • Self-rising (phosphate) flour
  • Graham flour
  • Farina (common in hot cereals)
  • Flour enriched with minerals and vitamins
  • Other wheat varieties such as durum, spelt, einkorn, kamut, and emmer

In addition, some foods may have gluten and should be careful not to eat to avoid adverse reactions. These include:

  • Beer, ale, malt (all barley-based beverage)
  • Bread
  • Cakes and pastries
  • Cereals
  • Soy sauce
  • Pasta
  • Soup Mixes

Meanwhile, a usual gluten-free diet may include meat, seafood, eggs, and other protein-rich foods. There are also gluten-free grain alternatives such as millet, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also include vegetables and nuts, although you may need to consult an allergist as you may also have allergies with the latter.

Seek medical help from allergy experts

If you experience the abovementioned signs of celiac disease, you should visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA so you will be given the right medication and treatment.

All About Gluten Allergy: Symptoms and Proper Management

Food is life, at least for a lot of people out there. We need to eat so we won’t be grumpy and moody all day. It is also important to eat the right food to nourish our brain and body. However, we should still take note of what we should eat so that we will be healthy all the time.

Unfortunately, a lot of people experience the onset of allergies due to certain food items. Some are allergic to dairy, while others experience allergic reactions to grain and seafood. Food allergies, and other types of allergies for that matter, can cause mild to severe reactions. If you experience any signs of allergic reactions, better go to an allergy specialist doctor immediately.

All about gluten allergy

Gluten allergy or intolerance is a common allergic issue that affects millions of people around the world. As the name suggests, a heightened sensitivity to gluten causes this type of allergy. Gluten is a type of protein that is usually found in grains like barley, rye, and wheat.

Gluten allergies are often confused with celiac disease. The latter is also due to sensitivity to gluten, only worse. Unlike the former, celiac disease is considered an autoimmune condition caused by sensitivity in gluten. In the worst cases, celiac disease can damage an afflicted person’s digestive tract.

Meanwhile, gluten allergies are also mistaken as wheat allergy. The latter can be a potentially life-threatening condition and should be treated by an allergist immediately. Nevertheless, it is best to consult an allergy doctor to help manage your condition.

Common symptoms of gluten intolerance

Whether you have a gluten allergy or similar conditions, these can cause discomfort and affect your digestion. In such cases, you should visit an allergy specialist immediately. He or she will help you confirm whether you have gluten intolerance or other gluten or grain-related allergies.

Whether you have celiac or non-celiac gluten intolerance, it can still affect the quality of your life. Here are signs you need to look out for gluten intolerance. Each of these symptoms may vary but should be managed accordingly.

Bloating

People with gluten intolerance often feel full, gassy, and uncomfortable. In fact, one study revealed that almost 90 percent of people suffering from gluten intolerance experience discomfort due to bloating.

Constipation/diarrhea

We all experience diarrhea and constipation from time to time. But if it happens frequently, you might want to check what you are eating. It may be a major sign of gluten intolerance. In the worst cases, those with celiac disease (a severe type of gluten intolerance) might experience inflammation in the gut lining.

Skin breakouts

Apparently, gluten intolerance can also cause skin issues. For one, gluten intolerance can cause dermatitis herpetiformis. Other common skin problems caused by gluten intolerance may include urticaria, alopecia areata, and psoriasis.

Other signs of gluten intolerance include the following. If you experience the following apart from the abovementioned symptoms, you should go to an allergy clinic immediately:

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Anemia due to lack of iron

Gluten intolerance and other health conditions

Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are two different things. However, these can greatly affect one’s quality of life, as mentioned. Plus, it can lead to health complications if left untreated.

For example, several studies have shown that celiac disease has a strong link with fertility problems. According to said studies, people with celiac disease experience infertility. However, experts cannot pinpoint exactly what causes fertility issues.

People with gluten sensitivity are also at high risk of having ADHD. However, there are also reports saying that there are improvements after removing gluten from their usual diet. It may be because of removing sugary and processed foods, which mostly contain gluten.

Managing gluten intolerance

Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with improving your diet if you have gluten sensitivity. You can also consult an allergy physician for other ways of managing your gluten sensitivity. For one, you should avoid any food with rye, wheat, barley, and other derivatives.

It is also better to remove common food and beverages that contain gluten such as pasta, baked goods, beer, malt, and some sauces. You can eliminate those foods completely or lessen their consumption slowly and surely. These kinds of health condition might be permanent, but you have the power to manage it. Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA to help you manage your condition.