If you suspect that you may have celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten, it’s important to take action now. Studies show that the longer the length of time before a celiac diagnosis, the greater the chance of developing serious health risks.
Untreated celiac disease can actually be life-threatening. Celiac people are more likely to be afflicted with problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis, tooth enamel defects, central and peripheral nervous system disease, pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, organ disorders (gall bladder, liver, and spleen), and gynecological disorders. Untreated celiac disease has also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, especially intestinal lymphoma.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, even if you think you know why, you should schedule an appointment with your physician right away to get tested for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
The celiac diagnosis isn’t difficult to test for. Simple blood tests detect the disease over ninety percent of the time. The diagnosis is then confirmed by an upper endoscopy; a small, flexible tube is slipped into the mouth of the sedated patient, down his esophagus and stomach and into the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum, where biopsies are taken and then examined for changes seen in celiac disease.
Perhaps even easier than testing for diagnosis is the treatment of the disease—a gluten-free diet. It is challenging and requires a lifestyle change, but with more and more gluten-free substitutes and gluten-free recipes available, adopting a gluten-free diet and gluten free cooking is easier than ever. There’s research into developing a pill that would help people with celiac disease, as well. With such a simple treatment, there’s no reason to wait to get diagnosed because you can relieve yourself of your symptoms so easily.
Article Courtesy: Tina Turbin
Let Us Know What You Think