How does celiac disease affect and how often?

How does celiac disease affect the body?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the small intestine. This inflammation can damage the villi, which are the tiny finger-like projections that line the small intestine and help absorb nutrients. When the villi are damaged, the body cannot absorb nutrients properly, which can lead to a number of health problems, including:

* Weight loss

* Diarrhea

* Abdominal pain

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Fatigue

* Anemia

* Osteoporosis

* Malnutrition

* Skin rashes

* Neurological problems

How often does celiac disease occur?

Celiac disease is a relatively common disorder, affecting about 1% of the population. It is more common in women than in men, and it tends to run in families. Celiac disease can develop at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.

Who is at risk for celiac disease?

People who are at risk for celiac disease include those who:

* Have a family history of celiac disease

* Are of European descent

* Have type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or another autoimmune disorder

* Have Down syndrome or Turner syndrome

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Celiac disease is diagnosed with a blood test and a biopsy of the small intestine. The blood test checks for antibodies that are associated with celiac disease. If the blood test is positive, a biopsy of the small intestine is done to confirm the diagnosis.

How is celiac disease treated?

The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. A gluten-free diet can help to heal the damage to the small intestine and relieve the symptoms of celiac disease.

What is the long-term outlook for people with celiac disease?

With a strict gluten-free diet, most people with celiac disease can live a healthy, normal life. However, if celiac disease is left untreated, it can lead to a number of serious health problems, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, and cancer.