LONG TERM HEALTH EFFECTS OF CELIAC DISEASE

Long-Term Health Effects

People with celiac disease have a 2x greater risk of developing coronary artery disease, and a 4x greater risk of developing small bowel cancers.

The treatment burden of celiac disease is comparable to end-stage renal disease, and the partner burden is comparable to caring for a patient with cancer. 1 2

Untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders like Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), and many other conditions, including dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy skin rash), anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines, short stature, heart disease and intestinal cancers.

ROLE OF VITAMIN B6

 Vitamin B 6 helps form red blood cells and maintain brain                                                                             function.  Vitamin B 6 deficiency is uncommon but has been                                                                         associated with various conditions including a weakened immune                                                                  system and dermatitis cheilitis. 

Foods high in Vitamin B 6 include pork, poultry, fish, peanuts,                                                                       soy beans, wheatgerm, oats and bananas.

ROLE OF VITAMIN A

 A nutritious diet is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.                                                                             Many adults have known about the value of fruits and vegetables.                                                                 Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue,                                                               mucous membranes, and skin.  According to the WHO vitamin A                                                                  deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children                                                               and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CELIAC IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

   Common symptoms found in infants and children include:

• Gas

• Pale, foul-smelling stools

• Tooth enamel damage

• Short stature

• Anemia

• Growth problems

• Weight loss

• Chronic diarrhea, which can be bloody

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Abdominal bloating and pain

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Not growing as expected

• Neurological symptoms including learning disabilities, ADHD, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures

SYMPTOMS OF CELIAC DISEASE IN ADULTS

  In adults the most common symptoms of celiac disease are stomach problems, like gas and diarrhea. 

If you have this condition and eat a food that has gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley), your immune system attacks your small intestine. That causes damage and makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients.

In adults, other common symptoms of this immune problem include:

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Constipation

• Nausea and vomiting

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE

An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Over time, the immune reaction to eating gluten creates inflammation that damages the small intestine's lining, leading to medical complications. It also prevents absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption).

The classic symptom is diarrhea. Other symptoms include bloating, gas, fatigue, low blood count (anemia), and osteoporosis. Many people have no symptoms.

The mainstay of treatment is a strict gluten-free diet that can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.

DENTAL DEFECTS IN PEOPLE WITH CELIAC

 Dental enamel problems stemming from celiac disease involve permanent                                                    dentition and include tooth discoloration, poor enamel formation and mottled                                                 looking teeth.

In fact, it is possible your teeth and gums will show signs of celiac disease even                                            before you develop other symptoms, such as diarrhea or bloating.  

People with Celiac disease tend to have more cavities, and outbreaks of canker                                            sores.