Celiac disease

Definition

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals, causing damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. This condition results in malabsorption of nutrients, leading to various gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. The inability to properly absorb nutrients significantly impacts overall health and nutritional status, making early diagnosis and management essential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide and can develop at any age after gluten introduction into the diet.
2. Symptoms of celiac disease vary widely and can include diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, fatigue, and skin rashes.
3. The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the intestine to heal and nutrient absorption to improve.
4. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
5. Genetic testing for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 can help identify individuals at risk for developing celiac disease, particularly when symptoms are present.

Review Questions

• How does celiac disease affect nutrient absorption in the body?
  • Celiac disease leads to inflammation and damage to the small intestine's lining when gluten is consumed. This damage impairs the villi, which are responsible for nutrient absorption. As a result, individuals with celiac disease may experience deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K due to their body's inability to absorb them effectively.
• Discuss the potential long-term health implications for individuals who do not adhere to a gluten-free diet after being diagnosed with celiac disease.
  • Individuals who continue to consume gluten despite having celiac disease risk serious long-term health consequences. This can include malnutrition due to chronic malabsorption of nutrients, leading to conditions like osteoporosis from calcium deficiency. Additionally, untreated celiac disease can increase the risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, infertility issues, neurological problems such as neuropathy, and certain types of cancer like lymphoma. Therefore, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is crucial for preventing these complications.
• Evaluate the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of celiac disease and its implications for family members.
  • Genetic testing for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 plays a significant role in diagnosing celiac disease and managing at-risk family members. If a person presents with symptoms but tests negative for these genetic markers, it's unlikely they have celiac disease. Conversely, positive results indicate an increased risk but do not confirm diagnosis; further testing is needed. For family members of diagnosed individuals, understanding their genetic risk allows for early screening and monitoring, which can facilitate prompt intervention and prevent severe health consequences associated with untreated celiac disease.

Related terms

gluten: A mixture of proteins found in wheat and related grains, which triggers an immune response in individuals with celiac disease.

malabsorption: The impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract, often seen in celiac disease due to damage to the intestinal lining.

autoimmune disorder: A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, as seen in celiac disease where it targets the small intestine.