Celiac Disease Symptoms: Causes, Treatment, and Testing

How do celiac disease symptoms differ from simple indigestion?

 

If you feel uncomfortable after eating flour-based foods,
Have you ever had recurring unexplained diarrhea and abdominal pain?

 

In this case, it is easy to dismiss it as simple indigestion,
In fact, it may be a symptom of celiac disease.

What causes celiac disease and why does it occur?

 

Celiac disease is caused by a protein called gluten.
Specific genes (HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8) To the person who has
It is a disease that causes an immune response and damages the small intestinal mucosa.

 

In other words, it is not simply a problem of poor digestion.
It is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks itself.

 

Celiac disease, does it happen to Koreans too?

 

There is one thing that needs to be noted here.
Celiac disease is so common in the Western world that it affects about 1% of the population.
✅This is a very rare disease among Koreans.

 

- Genetic factors: Koreans have fewer HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genes associated with celiac disease than Westerners.
- Differences in eating habits: Because rice has traditionally been eaten as a staple food, gluten intake is lower than in the West.
- Diagnosis rate issue: Although rare, it may be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or simple indigestion.

 

That is, celiac disease symptoms are not common among Koreans.
Unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, skin rash If this continues
It's worth questioning at least once.

 

Celiac disease symptoms appear not only in the intestines but throughout the body.

 

Celiac disease has more diverse symptoms than you might think.

The most common digestive symptoms are

- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal distension, frequent abdominal pain
- Weight loss without cause
- Chronic fatigue

 

But it doesn't end here.

 

- Anemia: This occurs when iron and folic acid are not absorbed.
- Osteoporosis: Bones become weak due to impaired absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
- Skin symptoms: A rash called dermatitis herpetiformis occurs, with small blisters and severe itching.
- Neurological symptoms: numbness in hands and feet, headache, difficulty concentrating, balance problems
- Oral symptoms: frequent stomatitis, tooth enamel abnormalities

 

 

 

In children, it can present with chronic diarrhea, vomiting, growth delay, and developmental delay.

How can I get tested for celiac disease?

 

In hospitals, there are usually three steps:

 

1. Blood test
- Check for gluten sensitivity through tTG-IgA and EMA antibody tests.

 

2. Endoscopy and biopsy
- Take a portion of the small intestine to check if the villi are damaged.

 

3. Genetic testing
- If you have HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genes, you are more likely to develop the disease.

 

Also, tests for anemia, vitamin deficiency, and bone density are performed.
It is common to look into whether there are any complications.

The answer to treating celiac disease is diet.

 

There is currently no cure for celiac disease.
So the key to treatment is a 100% gluten-free diet.

 

- Foods to avoid: Any food containing wheat, barley, or rye
- Foods you can eat: rice, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, etc.

 

The important thing here is cross contamination no see.
For example, if you use a cutting board or knife that has gluten on it,
Even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms to return.

 

 

Therefore, treating celiac disease is not simply about not eating wheat.
Diet management is necessary in all aspects of life.

What problems can arise if left untreated?

 

If you continue to eat gluten without avoiding it
Symptoms become increasingly severe and the risk of complications increases.

 

- Anemia, osteoporosis, infertility
- Increased risk of malignant diseases such as small bowel cancer and lymphoma
- Decreased quality of life due to neurological complications

 

So if you continue to experience unexplained abdominal pain, fatigue, or weight loss,
You should definitely get tested for celiac disease.

conclusion

 

Celiac disease symptoms are not just indigestion.
It is a disease that affects the entire body.

 

• The causes of celiac disease are genetic factors and immune responses.
• Celiac disease can be tested through blood, endoscopy, and genetic testing.
• Treatment of celiac disease is centered around a strict gluten-free diet.

 

It's rare for Koreans, but it's not completely non-existent.
Especially for those who have lived abroad or have Western eating habits.
The number of reported cases is increasing.

 

Therefore, unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia,
Or if you have skin symptoms like celiac disease hives
We strongly recommend that you see a specialist and receive an accurate examination.

 

 

 

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