Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten that affects the small intestine and prevents nutrient absorption. It causes the intestinal villi to become damaged or flattened. Symptoms vary but include diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. It is estimated that 2-3 million Americans have undiagnosed celiac disease. Treatment requires a strict gluten-free diet for life, as gluten will cause the villi to become damaged again. While there is no cure, following the diet closely can control the disease and allow the villi to heal over time.

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Celiac Disease
Angelica Valdes
Course: MGT220
Carrington College
Instructor: Mr. Sayers
Date: 03/19/2013

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Introduction
Celiac disease is an inherited inflammatory autoimmune disease which affects the villi of
the small intestines, and is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. With
symptoms that vary from person to person, it’s a disease that often remains undiagnosed. It’s
estimated that 2 to 3 million people in the U.S. alone may have this disease, and about 80% are
not yet diagnosed; most people don’t know that they may have this disease. This disease can
affect all ages from the very young to the elderly, genetic susceptible individuals.
The Villi are finger like projections that move back and forth (like a Wave) to help in the
movement and digestion of foods; as food passes through the small intestines nutrients and
vitamins that the body needs are extracted. What happens in severe cases; these Villi become
eroded, until nothing is left but a smooth surface which cannot function, causing the body to lose
a lot of needed nutrients and vitamins. In mild cases there may be just a few patches; you may
feel sick after ingesting food containing gluten, and once you stop eating the gluten by-product
you start to feel better.
Newborns aren’t born with CD, but if one parent has it then precautions have to be taken with
the infant. Breast feeding will give the new infant antibodies and immunities that are needed for
the infant. Tests can be done for the infants. And at age 2 and above they will be tested with the
adults’ test; (IgA TTG) every 2 yrs.

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Causes
There are three proteins by-products which may contain of have some sort the dietary grain
which can be causing the problem, they are as follows:
1. Wheat-scientific name: Gliadins and Glutenins
2. Rye-scientific name: Secalins
3. Barley-scientific name: Hordeins
The first 2 combined will activate the celiac disease. These last two may not contribute to the
disease, if it does it maybe just a very small amount. People will mistake the symptoms for food
allergies; unfortunately this is not the case.
Symptoms
There is a large spectrum of the gastrointestinal tract symptoms; and they are as follows:
1. Chronic Diarrhea;
2. Distended belly;
3. Cramping and pain;
4. Weight loss;
5. Loss of appetite or a voracious appetite;
6. Vomiting;
7. Stool may be bulky, pale or foul;

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Tests
There are actually 2 tests that are done to find out if indeed you have Celica. The first test is
a Blood test (IgA tissue tranglutaminase antibody or for short (IgA TTG), “Anti-
transglutaminase antibodies (ATA) are autoantibodies against the transglutaminase protein.
Antibodies serve an important role in the immune system by detecting cells and substances that
the rest of the immune system then eliminates. These cells and substance can be foreign (for
example, viruses) and also can be produced by the body (for example, cancer cells). Antibodies
against the body’s own products are called autoantibodies. Autoantibodies can sometimes
errantly be directed against healthy portions of the organism, causing autoimmune diseases.” If
this test is positive, the next step to be performed is a small intestinal mucosal biopsy.
Small Intestinal Mucosal Biopsy is quite a simple procedure and can be completed within one
hour. The patient will be given a topical anesthetic to the back of the throat. A capsule and tube
are introduced, the patient is asked to swallow. The capsule contains a small camera with a
cutting edge. Once the capsule reaches its destination a small sample of intestine tissue is
obtained. This tissue is then checked under a microscope, for tissue damage. If this test is
positive then the next step is diet changes. That’s where you will have to work with a
nutritionist, as well as your doctor, to help you get control of this disease.

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Treatment
People with celiac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in
their blood. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to substances that the
body perceives to be threatening. People with this disease need to stay totally away from Gluten
and Gluten by-products, as well as all over the counter medication that use /or contains gluten.
Sticking to this special diet people can have a low intake of Iron; Folic Acid; B-vitamin and
fiber. Eating beans is a good source of replenishing these nutrients and vitamins. But eat beans
in moderation due to the gastrointestinal discomfort, which can mimic symptoms of Celica. Also
it is recommended to take calcium, vitamin-D, and a multivitamin.
Prognosis
There is no cure for Celiac, but with proper diet and vitamins it can be controlled. Can be
fatal if not detected and treated. In time the damaged Villi can be repaired. But as soon as you
introduce gluten to your body the problem will return.
Conclusion
It’s hereditary: Unknown Etiology. It’s very important that you stick with the special gluten
free diet. You need to read and check all food and product labels such as lotions, lipstick or lip
balm, these are bi-products that can carry gluten and should not be used. There are books and
agencies that strictly deal with Celiac disease, but make sure you research the material. Because
there’s information out there that is not giving you the whole view of the disease. When in doubt

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ask your doctor and or nutritionist. There’s a long list of foods and by-products which may
contain gluten, one important factor is breads, and bread by-products (the elasticity which binds
the bread together).
National support groups:
Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF)
Raising our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K.)
Celica Sprue Association

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References:
Health Line: Mucosal Biopsy: or small intestine biopsy. Janis O. Flores. The gale Group, Inc.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine 2002.
Kimberly Newton M.D. Pediatric gastroenterologist—discussing the children aspect of this
disease and what can be done.
Martin Kagnoff M.D. One of the countries’ leading authorities of Celiac Disease.
Shawn McNally M.P.H. RD---discussing the disease and misconceptions along with the diets do
and don’ts.
Wikipedia: Article on Anti Transglutaminase antibody. Edited by Diptanshu D. Dec. 26, 2012.
Wm. K. Warren Medical Research Center for Celiac Disease at UCSD. Seminar January 6,
2011.