From the toast you eat early in the morning to the saucy pasta for dinner, gluten is almost an unavoidable part of our daily meals. However, for people with Celiac disease, this protein is not a tasty addition but rather a deadly allergen. This chronic autoimmune disorder can be very hard to identify as the symptoms often overlap with those of gastrointestinal diseases.
According to a gastrology doctor in Siliguri, understanding the symptoms can be very important as Celiac disease can have a fatal end. Let us deep dive into the prominent symptoms of Celiac disease, methods to identify them and discuss why consulting with a gastroenterologist is important.
Understanding Celiac Disease
The immune system of people with Celiac Disease tends to attack the lining of the small intestine each time they consume food with gluten. This response to gluten over time damages the tiny hair-like structures in such a way that they aren’t able to absorb any nutrients from the food. The severe nutrient adsorptions caused by this disease can lead to the patient having malnutrition, as well as other various health issues.
The top gastroenterologist in Siliguri states that the patients with this condition usually have a family member with a history of people with Celiac disease. The condition can be developed at any age, and the only way to avoid severe consequences is to maintain a strict gluten-free diet.
Celiac Disease Symptoms: How to Recognise Them
According to a gastrology doctor in Siliguri, the symptoms related to Celiac disease can vary from individual to individual, making it very difficult to understand. While some patients tend to experience symptoms that are gastrointestinal while others might have body parts being affected. Let us further look into some common and rare symptoms associated with this disease:
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Abdominal pain - Patients may experience severe discomfort and bloating after consuming gluten due to the inflammation of the small intestine. This may also be accompanied by cramping.
Chronic Diarrhoea or Constipation - Frequent diarrhoea or constipation is very common among patients. Diarrhoea typically occurs when inflamed intestines can't absorb nutrients properly, while constipation can stem from irregular gut motility.
Vomiting - Some patients may also face issues related to frequent vomiting. This is usually common among younger patients with Celiac disease.
Gas - Celiac disease causes the accumulation of excessive gas and flatulence in the stomach of the patient. This can occur due to improper digestion of food in the gut.
2. Non-Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Fatigue - Most patients with this condition tend to show signs of fatigue. This is mainly caused due to malnutrition and a lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate and iron.
Joint Pain & Bone Disorders - The malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D tends to lead to chronic joint and bone conditions such as osteopenia, among patients with Celiac disease.
Skin rashes - Patients with Celiac disease tend to have a skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis, which can manifest as itchy blistering rashes.
Mouth Ulcers - Due to the inflammation of the internal organs, most patients also tend to suffer from canker sores as well as mouth ulcers.
Headaches - Frequent headaches or migraines are common in people with celiac disease and may be related to the body’s immune response to gluten.
3. Neurological Symptoms
Peripheral Neuropathy - A gastrology doctor in Siliguri states that due to their nervous system being affected, patients with Celiac disease tend to experience tingling sensations in hands and feet.
Ataxia - patients with Celiac disease tend to have difficulty with coordination and balance, which may result in falls or trouble walking.
Depression and Anxiety – Due to their condition, patients often face psychological symptoms like mood swings, depression, and anxiety, potentially due to nutrient deficiencies or the emotional toll of managing a chronic condition.
Why Expert Advice is Important for Celiac Disease
1. Proper Diagnosis and Testing
Celiac disease is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic those of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, or even food allergies. The top gastroenterologist in Siliguri states that most of the specialists in this field tend to perform various diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as
Blood Tests - Tests such as tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies and endomysial antibodies (EMA) are commonly used to screen for celiac disease. Increased amounts of these antibodies indicate an immune reaction to gluten.
Endoscopy and Biopsy - If blood tests are positive, an endoscopy may be performed. In this process, a tiny piece of tissue from the small intestine is collected for examination to assess any harm to the villi, which helps to confirm celiac disease..
Genetic Testing - While not diagnostic by itself, genetic testing can help determine whether you carry the genes (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8) associated with celiac disease.
2. Personalised Treatment Plan1
After a patient receives their diagnosis, a gastroenterologist collaborates with them to create a tailored treatment plan. The cornerstone of celiac disease management is a strict gluten-free diet, which helps heal the intestine, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms.
A dietitian might also be engaged to assist them in making safe food selections, as gluten can be found in various foods and non-food items. In addition to a strict diet, the patients also tend to provide nutritional supplements for the deficiency of calcium, vitamin D and iron.
Conclusion
Celiac disease is a serious but manageable condition that requires early recognition and expert medical guidance. Its symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and they can sometimes mimic other health conditions, making diagnosis challenging. If you suspect you may have celiac disease, it’s crucial to seek expert advice from a gastrology doctor in Siliguri.
They can help confirm the diagnosis through appropriate testing, provide personalised dietary advice, and monitor your long-term health to prevent complications. By following a strict gluten-free diet and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lead a healthy, fulfilling life despite having celiac disease.
