Celiac disease is a permanent gluten intolerance
Gluten is a protein substance found in oats, wheat, spelt, kamut, barley, rye, spelz and triticale.
Eating just a minimum amount of gluten for someone suffering from celiac disease causes an immuno-reaction in the small intestine.
Eating food containing gluten causes a flattening of intestinal villi and non absorption of many nutrients needed by the body.
A gluten-free diet is the only effective cure.
Celiac disease has variable symptoms
There are other symptoms besides the classical gastro-intestinal forms; at times are not too clear.
Direct or indirect consequences go from chronic diarrhoea to asthenia, to anaemia to osteoporosis on to tumours or serious neurological problems.
Celiac disease can show itself at any age.
Research shows that celiac disease can appear at any age, even after years with no symptoms of any kind. Nowadays, the percentage diagnosed in adults is growing, especially amongst those between 40 and 50 years old.
Varieties of Celiac disease
The numerous varieties are as follows:
| Classical |
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Usually appears at between 6 and 18 months and has typical gastro-intestinal symptoms. |
| Atypical |
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Appears later and symptoms are mainly not intestinal. |
| Silent |
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Shows histological damage typical of asymptomatic subjects.
Many apparently healthy cases, after starting treatment show improved mental-physical well-being.
When celiac disease is silent, symptoms are often: depression, irritableness, anxiety and fatigue. |
| Potential |
|
Expresses genetic pre-disposition and is often linked to autoimmune illnesses (diabetes type I; thyroiditis) and syndromes (Down; Turner). |
To learn more about them, visit the Italian Celiac Association website.
