Celiac disease is a condition wherein a person is unable to digest gluten, which is a prominent nutrient found in wheat and other grains. It is a condition that is more serious than normal food intolerances. In today’s blog, the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata looks into the details of Celiac disease, the symptoms and causes, and how a person suffering from the condition can be treated.
Celiac Disease: A Brief Idea
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is inherited. When the person consumes gluten, the gluten stimulates the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies then end up damaging the lining of the small intestine. As you know, damaging the lining of the small intestine hampers its ability to absorb nutrients properly. If not treated, the person will experience a nutritional deficiency.
Where is Gluten Typically Found?
Gluten is typically found in foods like wheat, barley, and rye. This is the staple food in Western cultures. Hence, many foods like baked goods, pastas, pizzas, and beer are quite dangerous for consumption by a person suffering from Celiac disease.
What Does Celiac Disease Typically Affect?
Celiac disease typically affects the small intestine, where most of the nutrients are absorbed. The gluten from the foods you consume triggers the antibodies of the immune system. This in turn causes the mucosa or the lining of the small intestine to be damaged irreversibly. This then causes the small intestine not to absorb nutrients properly.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
Like many of the autoimmune diseases, Celiac disease is inherited. However, not everyone with the gene mutation gets the disease and neither do those who develop the disease have the gene. So, it’s pretty hard to suggest exactly what causes Celiac disease. Reach out to the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata to identify if you are suffering from this condition.
What Are The Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
Symptoms of Celiac disease vary a lot depending on the person. Here is a list of the symptoms a person may experience.
- Stomach pai
- Bloated stomach
- Fatty stools
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Unintended weight loss
- Growth delays in children
- Abnormal periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Muscle wasting
These are some of the common symptoms of Celiac disease. It’s important that you consult with a doctor and get tested for Celiac disease before you take treatment for the same. Treatment for this condition requires avoiding the consumption of gluten, taking nutritional supplements, medication as prescribed by a doctor.
Wrapping Up
Celiac disease affects millions of people throughout the world. It’s important that you consult with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata and understand whether yours is a condition that is gluten insensitivity or a more serious condition of Celiac disease. It’s important to consult a reputed doctor to understand the difference between these problems.