Guide To Understanding Celiac Disease

Causes And Risk Factors

Though it is clear celiac disease is the body’s inability to process gluten properly resulting in intestinal damage, the exact cause of this is unclear. Research indicates it is an interaction between the gluten, genes, and other environmental factors. Some factors include the way infants are fed, gut bacteria, and gastrointestinal infections. It seems as if celiac disease is always present, however, it may be dormant initially and can become active for the first time following surgery, pregnancy or childbirth, severe stress, or a significant viral infection. It is important to note that while some gene variations do increase an individual’s risk of developing celiac disease, these genes do not guarantee it, which means there are other elements involved.

Though celiac disease is most common among Caucasians, anyone regardless of ethnicity can develop celiac disease. That said, certain medical conditions do increase a patient’s risk. These medical conditions include Addison’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Turner syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, and Down syndrome. Thus, celiac disease screening is particularly important for these individuals.

Continue reading to reveal the treatment options available to patients whose symptoms merit a celiac disease diagnosis.