Coeliac disease or celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals in all age groups after early infancy. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, failure to thrive (in children) and fatigue, but these may be absent and associated symptoms in all other organ systems have been described. It affects approximately 1% of Caucasian populations, though it is significantly underdiagnosed. A growing portion of diagnoses are being made in asymptomatic persons as a result of increasing screening.[1]
Coeliac disease is caused by an abnormal reaction to gliadin, a gluten protein found in wheat (and similar proteins of the tribe Triticeae which includes other cultivars such as barley and rye). Upon exposure to gliadin, the body's immune system cross-reacts with the enzyme tissue transglutaminase, causing an inflammatory reaction that leads to flattening of the lining of the small intestine, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients. The only effective treatment is a diet, lifelong in principle, from which gluten is absent.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
The diarrhoea characteristic of coeliac disease is pale, voluminous and malodorous. Abdominal pain and cramping, bloatedness and abdominal distention (thought to be due to fermentative production of bowel gas) and mouth ulcers may be present. As the bowel is more damaged, a degree of lactose intolerance may develop. Constipation is rare, but may be a manifestation of coeliac disease.
My suggestion is to design a questionnaire around these symptoms felt by the patients.
And That's My Best Answer!
2006-11-18 03:24:13
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I agree with the other answers. Just wanted to add a few things. Remember that this is a multi-system autoimmune condition that effects a lot of different areas of health.
- Neurological symptoms such as pain, difficulty walking and speaking.
- Psychological issues such as depression, irritability, anxiety, anger, tearfulness and what we in the celiac world call "brain fog"; memory and concentration problems.
- History of eating disorders. Eating disorders are much more complicated and often have a psychological basis in body dysmorphia where a person perceives themselves as being overweight when the opposite is true. However, undiagnosed celiac often looks like what may be perceived on the outside as an eating disorder. If a person is vomiting shortly after every meal, or feels so sick that it would be a relief to throw up (ever have food poisoning?) it might cause concern of family and friends. Not knowing that this is a classic celiac symptom, the assumption may be made by everyone, including the sick person, that there is an eating disorder going on. If a person protests wanting to lose weight and says that they just don't like to eat because it makes them feel sick, celiac (or other food intolerances) should be looked into and a gluten-free diet should be given a trial as part of the process of finding out what is causing the problem.
Just some thoughts on additional issues that people with celiac face that aren't part of the main GI symptoms.
Nancy
2006-11-21 05:06:50
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answer #2
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answered by Nancy 3
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Celiac ailment is often inherited. it fairly is a genetic, and is brought about by using an experience in one's lifestyles, consisting of an ailment, rigidity, being pregnant, divorce, etc. it could kick in at any evaluate a single's lifestyles, and could need indicators, or it could have not got any significant indicators. with or devoid of indicators, celiacs does harm to a minimum of one's small gut, inflicting malnutrition and a protracted record of alternative problems. there is not any time-honored treatment right now different than a gluten unfastened weight loss software, which takes only a sprint paintings, yet is extremely practicable. I even have 2 toddlers with celiacs, and that they are happy, healthy and thriving on the GF weight loss software.
2016-12-30 14:49:07
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answer #3
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answered by ? 3
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You can ask about the age of onset of symptoms, diet given, diet leading to worsening of condition, growth as compared to peers, weight gain, family history, associated endocrine problems.You can also check for rickets, anemia, abdominal distension. Ask about the number of stools per day and their description including colour, consistence, smell; also about vomiting.
2006-11-18 03:21:16
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answer #4
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answered by yakkydoc 6
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