Lakewood, N.J. -- Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy, is no longer a rare diagnosis. Viewed as a “simple” food allergy, most physicians receive little education about celiac disease in medical school. Today, it is commonly diagnosed; however, symptoms are so varied and at times difficult to understand that on average, there is an eleven year delay in diagnosis.
The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, but there is evidence that the disorder is inherited since it tends to run in families. It may be caused by an abnormal immune response to proteins found in grains, particularly gluten and the related protein gliadin.
According to Cathy Heintz, RD, CDE, Chief Clinical Dietician for Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, normal digestion takes place in the small intestine, which is lined with finger-like projections called villi that help to increase surface area and enhance absorption of nutrients. “Most people can eat food containing gluten with no trouble. But for those with celiac disease, eating gluten can cause a reaction in their bodies that damages or destroys the villi,” explains Heintz. “When this occurs, the surface of the small intestine is flattened and the body can't absorb vitamins and nutrients from food,” she explains.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
In order to diagnose this common disorder patients and physicians must be extremely watchful. Because symptoms are often subtle and mimic other intestinal diseases, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or lactose intolerance, the disease is often difficult to diagnose. Some experience symptoms the first time they are exposed to gluten, while others develop symptoms later in life.
Bloating, gas pain, and loose, frequent, non-bloody, non-mucousy stools occur during the illness. Rather than just having an effect on digestion, celiac disease is additionally understood to be a systemic disease or one that affects the entire body. This means there may be neurological or psychiatric conditions, infectious tendencies, metabolic complications such as osteoporosis, bleeding tendencies, a higher incidence of malignancies, menstrual irregularities and general malnutrition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Simple blood testing is used as an initial screening tool to measure the level of antibodies to gluten and other proteins in the lining of the intestine. In order to confirm the diagnosis, individuals should be seen by a gastroenterologist and undergo a minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal endoscopy exam with a biopsy of the small intestine.
“In patients with celiac disease, food is the medicine – a complete removal of gluten from the diet is the key to controlling the disease and returning to health, says Heintz. “Most individuals feel better rather quickly when gluten is removed from the diet. Over a period of time on the gluten-free diet, the small intestine usually “heals” and the villi resume a more normal appearance and function,” she explains.
“Up until recently, gluten-free foods were difficult to find. Today grocery stores, web sites and restaurants are abundantly supplied with information and gluten-free food that is nutritious and tasty,” says Heintz. In fact, market research shows that the number of new products related to celiac disease jumped 86 percent in 2006. “Today, children and adults with celiac disease live very full lives, enjoy great food, travel and eat in restaurants – the key is education and the ability to advocate for one’s self,” she says.
The Kogan Celiac Center offers comprehensive testing and treatment for celiac disease for adults and children. The Center, located at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, is dedicated to providing expert services that include early assessment and diagnosis, treatment, education and support to improve the health and well being of those who live with celiac disease. Individualized counseling and support services for patients and family members is invaluable to successful adherence to, and satisfaction with, a gluten-free diet. For more information or an appointment, please call 973-322.7272.
To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
Date: September 4, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
|
|
