Celiac Disease Prevention: Know More

Celiac disease cannot be prevented. It can only be controlled, and the complications arising from the disease can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment. People with family history of the celiac disease should get tested for the same, despite no symptoms seen for an early diagnosis. There is a hypothesis that feeding small amounts of gluten to infants between 4 to 6 months of age would educate the immune system to gluten. It can avoid any harmful immune response in future and hence prevent celiac disease, but so far, this hypothesis is not thoroughly studied nor substantiated.

Complications

Owing to the inability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from the diet, many other organs of the body are affected. Also, due to the delay in the diagnosis of celiac disease, it gives rise to significant other complications like;

• Iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Osteoporosis or other bone diseases due to low calcium and vitamin D levels.
• Infertility or frequent miscarriages.
• Liver disease.
• Other autoimmune disorders.

Next Steps

Once diagnosed with celiac disease, adhering to the gluten-free diet is of utmost importance. You may find it difficult to prepare and consume such a diet. Regularly keep consulting the dietician and keep discussing your difficulties with him/her. Be aware of manifestations of nutrient deficiencies and report them to your doctor regularly.

Red Flags

Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the below-mentioned symptoms.

• Vomiting or chronic diarrhoea or constipation refractory to conservative management.
• Persistent abdominal pain or bloating.
• Skin rashes.
• One or more nutrient deficiencies (low iron, proteins, calcium, and folic acid).