Verified Document

Celiac Disease Essay

Celiac disease is a disorder of the small intestine which adversely affects the immune system of a person. Approximately 1% of Americans are affected by this disease, which translates into nearly 3 million people. Nearly 97% of the people who have celiac disease are aware of this condition and are actively taking steps to live with it with as little discomfort as possible. Before discussing the various symptoms and methods of aggravating and bettering this condition, it is important to note that there is an important genetic component associated with celiac disease. In much the same way that other traits of people are genetic (such as hair or eye color), there is DNA within the genes that are associated with this condition. This genetic element of celiac disease is one of the most important factors in whether or not people will contract it, although there are also other ways in which individuals can become afflicted with this malady. As previously alluded to, one of the main ways to get celiac disease is by having a genetic disposition towards it. People with a first degree relative such as someone within their immediate family are the most likely to get this disorder and account for nearly 5% of the prevalence of celiac disease in the U.S.; those with a second degree relative or someone within their extended family who have this condition are also likely to become afflicted by it and make up 2.5% of the prevalence of those with this disorder in the U.S. People with additional genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome are also more likely to get celiac disease, as are those with other autoimmune dysfunctions. Perhaps most frighteningly of all, celiac disease can get contracted by the emotional stress associated with life-altering events such as pregnancy or surgery. Those with thyroid conditions or certain types of diabetes are also more at risk for this condition than others.

There are a number of things that people can do to prevent from getting Celiac disease. Unfortunately, if people have a genetic disposition towards this malady, it will be more difficult for them to avoid getting it. However, for those who are not genetically inclined for this disease, it is important that...

Avoiding gluten altogether is also an effective means of not getting celiac disease; there are a number of gluten-free products (some of which include pasta and other foods that typically include gluten) that make avoiding this substance easier than it once was. Other foods that individuals should avoid or limit (and which have been linked to celiac disease) include barley, wheat and rye. Milk also factors into preventing celiac disease. One of the most effective ways of ensuring that someone does not get this condition due to stress and emotional difficulties is to regularly consult with a licensed counselor or psychologist. It is best to limit the intake of milk, and to consult with a dietician to also help one avoid getting this disorder. People should also intake regular amounts of foods high in fiber, especially vegetables and fresh fruits.
There are several symptoms that are related to celiac disease. Anemia frequently accompanies this disease in adults, as they are oftentimes iron deficient and may need to take supplements to help counteract the effects of these conditions. Anemia occurs when individuals do not properly absorb the nutritious properties found in iron within the foods they eat, and therefore need to obtain this valuable nutrient in some other form, such as in a pill or a capsule. The most frequently occurring symptom, however, is pain and discomfort in the stomach and abdominal area, which largely stems from complications of the small intestine. A particularly uncomfortable symptom of celiac disease is a skin rash which is bright red and extremely itchy. Individuals with this rash also may have painful blisters. The rash can cover the majority of their bodies. Celiac disease can retard growth in younger people, and may also cause fatigue and a loss of weight. Intemperate behavior and moodiness may also be side effects of this condition.

Celiac disease has a fairly interesting history. The disease was originally thought to have started as a European phenomenon, with high incidences reported throughout Northern Europe, in particular. However, it has proved to be…

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Celiac Disease
Words: 1160 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

Celiac disease is considered to be one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the bowel. It is caused by a dietary source and occurs in those individuals who are genetically predisposed to be intolerant to gluten. In Celiac disease, the patient is intolerant to a protein that in called gluten, and is commonly found in wheat, barley and oat products. If a patient with celiac disease ingests a gluten

Celiac Disease
Words: 555 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Celiac Disease A Beginner's Guide to Celiac Disease An informational guide to help you and your family cope with Celiac Disease from a medical and psychological perspective. For more information or to find a specialist in your area, please phone us at: -1Celiac The Center for Celiac Information is Dedicated to: Proactively disseminate educational materials on celiac disease for individuals, their families, and other interested parties. To service as a vehicle for providing support and networking opportunities. To

Celiac Disease Is "An Inflammatory Condition of
Words: 1411 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Celiac disease is "an inflammatory condition of the small intestine precipitated by the ingestion of wheat in individuals with certain genetic makeups" From this definition of the disease, we already can see what the two major factors in celiac disease occurrence are: environmental factors (ingestion of wheat, which has gluten) and the genetic factor (a certain genetic predisposition for the disease). The intolerance to glutton manifests itself in symptoms such as diarrhea,

Nutrition Celiac Disease What Can
Words: 675 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

The association among celiac disease and these other diseases may be hereditary. The diseases include things like diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroid disease, Addison's disease, which is a circumstance in which the glands that make vital hormones are harmed and Sjogren's syndrome, which is a circumstance in which the glands that make tears and saliva are damaged (Celiac Disease, 2008). What are some possible treatments for this

Crohn's Disease
Words: 1489 Length: 5 Document Type: Research Paper

Causes Complications Diagnosis Latest discoveries Crohn's disease, ileitis or enteritis is a medical condition that is known to cause inflammation of the digestive system also known as gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This condition affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract, starting from the mouth to the anus, but it mostly affecting the ileum (USFDA,2008). The inflammation may penetrate deep into the lining of the organs affected thereby causing pain making the intestines occasionally empty, resulting

Autoimmunity and Diseases
Words: 1020 Length: 3 Document Type: Research Paper

Autoimmunity The immune system of the body must differentiate itself from harmful to repel invaders and to protect the integrity of the host without inducing autoimmunity. Any deficit in this function can cause the body to be vulnerable to infections, malignancies or over-reactivity to innocuous antigens, resulting immunopathology and autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is defined by pathological immune-based reactions which are usually persistent and have long duration, which involve self-antigens (autoantigens). Its clinical expression

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now