Essay On Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is defined as an immune reaction to eating gluten which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person who has this disease eats anything that has gluten in triggers immune response that causes the small intestines to become inflamed. Over time this causes prevention of any nutrients being absorbed back into the body. The inflammation causes damage to the tiny hair like structures that are in charge of reabsorbing the vitamins and nutrients that the patient’s body needs. Most patients with this disease have signs such as diarrhea and weight loss, most people with celiac disease experience few or no digestive signs or symptoms. In addition to digestive problems, other signs and symptoms of celiac disease include Anemia, usually resulting from iron deficiency, Loss of bone density or softening of bone, Itchy, blistery skin rash, Damage to dental enamel, Headaches, fatigue and joint pain, Reduced functioning of the spleen, and may also cause acid reflux and heartburn. The cause of this disease in not known.
Who Does
It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications.’ People who have celiac disease may have other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease. Testing to find out if someone has celiac disease includes a blood tests and an endoscopy. In a blood test elevated levels of certain substances antibodies indicate an immune reaction. These tests detect celiac disease even if the patient has mild symptoms or none at all. If their blood tests indicate this disease, the doctor may order an endoscopy to view their small intestine and to take a small tissue sample to