1. Celiac Disease: the basics Compiled for educational use by April Sherman Email: aceliac@live.com
2. What is “Celiac Disease”? A genetic disease in children and adults Reaction to the food protein gluten Body attacks itself, auto-immune reaction Destroys the villi, the lining of the small intestine Scars the intestine and causes sickness No cure or medication Only treatment option: completely gluten-free lifestyle.
4. What are the symptoms? diarrhea weight loss abdominal pain chronic fatigue weakness malnutrition In children failure to thrive irritability diarrhea and bloating osteoporosis arthritis and joint pain anemia infertility frequent miscarriage chronic fatigue syndrome depression behavioral changes
5. How is celiac disease diagnosed? Blood tests Check for anti-body levels in the blood Called a “celiac panel” Endoscopy and biopsy of the small intestine Final diagnosis based on biopsy before starting a gluten-free diet Can be diagnosed even if there are no symptoms
6. Gluten-Free Lifestyle All food, cosmetics, bath products, medications must be gluten-free No wheat-based ingredients Not processed around wheat, barley, or rye Contamination causes reaction Even small amounts of gluten in food will affect a celiac Contamination examples eating a piece of fruit that was served on a plate which previously held bread inhaling and swallowing air-borne wheat flour at a bakery
7. Who has celiac disease? 3 million Americans 97% un-diagnosed 1 in 133 have celiac disease More common than “Crohn’sdisease, ulceric colitis and cystic fibrosis combined” Commonly mis-diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS Relatives of celiacs are much more likely to have celiac disease!!!
8. What if I think I have celiac disease? Talk to your family doctor Identify your symptoms, if any Ask for a “celiac panel” blood test Ask if you should see a gastroenterologist Find a dietitian in your area, or ask for a referral You are at higher risk of celiac disease if: A relative has celiac disease Family history of auto-immune disorders Northern European descent, Caucasian
9. Awareness, Education, Support Support friends/relatives with celiac disease Grocery shop with them Eat out and order gluten-free Ask about their experiences Educate yourself & friends Share educational brochures and websites Attend lectures and meetings about celiac disease Help support celiac disease research Participate in fundraising events Donate to celiac research foundations
10. THANK YOU! Sources: The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research http://medschool.umaryland.edu/celiac/faq.asp The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center Fact Sheet http://www.celiacdisease.net/assets/pdf/CDCFactSheets%20FactsFigures%20v3.pdf Contact: aceliac@live.com
