May 18, 2023

Celiac disease: Complications of this autoimmune disease that Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu struggles with

What is Celiac disease?

A majority of people learned about Celiac disease when Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu revealed that she has this autoimmune condition, a disorder marked by sensitivity to gluten. Celiac disease is an immune-mediated systemic disease triggered by intake of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The prevalence of celiac disease in the general population is estimated to be 1% in the world. Despite increased awareness and knowledge about celiac disease, up to 95% of celiac patients still remain undiagnosed. Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Here’s what the expert says

Dr. Sufla Saxena, HOD Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka says “If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anaemia, and can lead to serious complications.

In children, malabsorption can adversely affect growth and development, besides causing the symptoms seen in adults.”

Symptoms of celiac disease

Sometimes people may have subtle symptoms or late symptoms making it difficult to diagnose celiac disease at an early stage .But because celiac disease is so hard to diagnose, people can have it for years. This long-term damage to the small intestine may start to affect other parts of the body.

It's a common misconception that eating a little gluten will not harm you. Eating even tiny amounts can trigger symptoms of celiac disease and increase your risk of developing complications.

Untreated celiac disease can cause these health problems:

If Celiac disease is left untreated then it can lead to following complications

Malnutrition – Children suffering from celiac are often malnourished and have growth failure because of impaired absorption of nutrients from the intestines.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies – leading to brittle and fragile bones and Iron deficiency anaemia because of malabsorption of calcium and Iron respectively.

Weak tooth enamel, recurrent oral ulcers

Delayed puberty, short stature, fertility issues

Behavioural issues like anxiety and depression

Lactose intolerance symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.

Cancer — If left untreated, the damage to the intestines may increase the risk of developing some cancers and autoimmune diseases later in life.

People with celiac disease may also have a decreased response to the hepatitis B vaccine.

Diet for celiac patients

Most dairy products, including cheese, butter, and milk, are safe for people with Celiac disease to eat. Meals can include fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, but not items that have been breaded or battered. You can eat potatoes, rice, rice noodles and gluten-free flours made from rice, corn, soy and potatoes.

The takeaway

There's no cure for celiac disease — but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.Early and timely diagnosis of celiac disease by serological and endoscopic evaluation in children is associated with better quality of life as well as better compliance with the gluten-free diet.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/celiac-disease-complications-of-this-autoimmune-disease-that-miss-universe-harnaaz-sandhu-struggleswith/photostory/100301230.cms

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