When these grains are eaten by a person with celiac disease they trigger an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. When celiac disease goes undetected and untreated, it can damage the body and even increase the risk of some cancers.
Celiac disease can manifest itself with a previously unappreciated range of clinical presentations, including the typical malabsorption syndrome and a spectrum of symptoms potentially affecting any organ system.
Very young children present more often with classics celiac disease, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal distension, and failure to thrive.
These younger patients are more likely to present with diarrheal or malabsorptive manifestations of the disease, whereas older children and adolescents are more likely to present with atypical gastrointestinal complaints such as pain, vomiting or constipation.
Person with celiac disease should follow a life-long gluten-free diet, strictly avoiding wheat, rye and barley proteins.
A gluten-free diet allows the intestine to heal and improves gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, excess gas and bloating.
What is celiac disease?
