What is Celiac Disease and What Causes it?

March 25, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. It is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system reacts abnormally, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms and potential complications.

The exact cause of celiac disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Here are some key points about celiac disease and its potential causes:

  • Genetic predisposition: Celiac disease has a strong genetic component. It is associated with specific genetic markers, particularly genes known as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. Individuals who carry these genes have an increased risk of developing celiac disease, although not everyone with these genes will develop the condition.
  • Environmental triggers: While genetic predisposition is necessary for the development of celiac disease, exposure to gluten is also required. The timing and amount of gluten exposure may influence the development of the condition. For example, celiac disease may be triggered after the introduction of gluten-containing foods into an infant’s diet during early childhood.
  • Immune system dysfunction: In individuals with celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies gluten as a threat and mounts an immune response against it. This response leads to inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, specifically the villi, which are finger-like projections responsible for absorbing nutrients. Over time, this damage can impair nutrient absorption and lead to malnutrition and various health complications.
  • Other factors: Factors such as gastrointestinal infections, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and changes in the gut microbiota (the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract) may also play a role in the development or progression of celiac disease.

It’s important to note that celiac disease is not a food allergy or intolerance but an autoimmune condition. Unlike food allergies, which involve an immediate immune response to specific food proteins, celiac disease is characterized by a chronic immune-mediated reaction to gluten. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding all sources of gluten-containing grains. Additionally, individuals with celiac disease may benefit from nutritional supplementation and ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

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