Celiac Disease or Wheat Allergy

Throughout the globe, America comes first in allergy statistics followed by other countries. Among the several types of allergies, food allergies are most commonly faced. The food allergens may be eggs, sea food, nuts, milk, soy, gluten and so on. Gluten as we all know is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains. Though most people follow a gluten free diet, for people with celiac disease it is a must to follow the gluten free diet.

 Celiac disease also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.    Upon consumption of gluten, immune system of people with celiac disease attacks villi, which are the small finger like projections in small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption. Damage to villi and small intestine is seen in this disorder leading to malnourishment and lack of functioning. Several other symptoms of the disease includes abdominal pain, nausea, anemia, diarrhea, gas, constipation, mouth ulcers, weight loss, heartburn, headaches, fatigue, loss of bone density etc.

The intestinal problems are more common in children than in adults with symptoms like nausea, bloating, steatorrhea, weight loss, constipation and diarrhea. Celiac disease is not the same as food allergy specifically wheat allergy. If an individual is allergic to wheat, then upon wheat consumption he/she might have itchy watery eyes and hard time breathing whereas the symptoms in case of disease vary by a lot. It is observed that not everyone with the disease face all symptoms. As the damage to the intestine process is very slow and the symptoms vary by a lot, diagnosis becomes a huge task.

The treatment for the disease is also not available. The only option out there for people with the disease is to follow a gluten free diet and take precautions in their food habits. Living with allergies and autoimmune diseases is heavy task. Awareness, Caution and Prevention becomes the 3 life mantra words to live day-to-day life.