Celiac Disease - LPNI

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Celiac Disease

LPNI Health Topic – May 2021

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a serious autoimmune disease triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those who have celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine lining which interferes with absorption of vital nutrients.

Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 of the world population. In countries where data on the disease are available, the incidence is increasing. Many people suffer undiagnosed, and are at risk for additional related health problems. In fact, it typically takes six to 10 years to receive an accurate celiac disease diagnosis.

Gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the tiny hairlike projections (villi) that line the small intestine. These villi promote nutrient absorption. Without proper absorption, the body does not receive needed vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Currently there is no cure for celiac disease; however, symptoms can generally be managed by lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.

The signs and symptoms can vary greatly and differ in children and adults. The most common adult digestive symptoms are diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and gas, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. In addition, over half of the adults with celiac disease have symptoms unrelated to the GI system including anaemia, osteoporosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, mouth ulcers, headache and fatigue, joint pain, reduced spleen function as well as nervous system injury including numbness and tingling of the feet and hands, possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment.

Childhood celiac disease digestive symptoms include nausea and vomiting, chronic diarrhea, swollen belly, constipation, gas, and pale, foul-smelling stools. The inability of children with celiac disease to absorb adequate nutrients may result in failure to thrive in infants, damage to tooth enamel, weight loss, anaemia, irritability, short stature, delayed puberty, and neurological symptoms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination and seizures.

Research has determined that people with celiac disease are at greater risk of developing heart disease and intestinal cancers. Additionally, untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders like Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as many other conditions including infertility and miscarriage.

Carol Broemmer, RN, MA

LCMS Missouri District Parish Nurse Representative

Parish Nurse, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lake Ozark, MO USA

cbroemmer@charter.net