Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects genetically predisposed individuals. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, their immune system mounts a response. This reaction leads to damage within the small intestine. The disease can manifest at any age after gluten consumption begins.
How Celiac Disease Harms the Body
When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine. This response specifically targets and damages the villi, tiny, finger-like projections lining the small intestine.
Villi increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Damage to these villi, known as villous atrophy, reduces the intestine’s ability to absorb essential nutrients from food. This impaired absorption can lead to various nutritional deficiencies and impact overall bodily function.
Serious Health Risks of Untreated Celiac Disease
Leaving celiac disease undiagnosed or untreated can lead to severe health complications. While celiac disease itself is generally not fatal, its complications can contribute to an earlier death. A major issue is severe malnutrition, as the damaged small intestine struggles to absorb nutrients. This can result in conditions such as anemia due to deficiencies in iron, folate, and vitamin B12, leading to stunted growth and delayed development in children.
Untreated celiac disease also increases the risk of certain cancers, such as intestinal lymphomas. The longer the disease remains unmanaged, the greater the cancer risk. Additionally, neurological complications can arise, including headaches, lack of muscle coordination, seizures, and nerve damage. These issues may stem from malabsorption of vitamins and trace elements, chronic inflammation, or altered autoimmunity.
Bone health is impacted, with untreated celiac disease often leading to reduced bone mineral density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. This occurs because the malabsorption hinders the uptake of calcium and vitamin D, both essential for strong bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Other potential issues include liver disease, infertility, and additional autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Preventing Severe Outcomes
Managing celiac disease primarily involves adhering to a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This dietary approach is the only established treatment, preventing symptoms and intestinal damage. Eliminating gluten allows the small intestine to heal, which then improves nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. While children often show full intestinal recovery within months, complete healing for adults can take several years.
Accurate diagnosis is a first step, typically involving blood tests and a small intestine biopsy. Following diagnosis, regular medical follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor the healing process, assess for any lingering symptoms, and identify nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional supplements may be prescribed to address any existing deficiencies. Continuous adherence to the gluten-free diet, coupled with ongoing medical oversight, enables individuals with celiac disease to maintain their health and reduce the likelihood of developing severe complications.