Celiac Sprue Awareness Month - OCTOBER

Celiac sprue or celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting children and adults. Those with celiac disease do not tolerate gluten, a wheat protein that is also found in rye and barley. Symptoms include among others bloating and pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, and pale, malodorous and/or fatty stools. Because celiac disease is one of the many gastrointestinal diseases it is often difficult to diagnose it. Many people are undiagnosed for most of their lives until they suffer an acute episode that leads to more thorough medical examinations. And to complicate things, an acute illness or trauma may trigger the onset of the disease in persons that never noticed symptoms. 

The only existing treatment for celiac disease is absolute avoidance of gluten containing foods or exposure through contact of any kind. This may seem easy but it is not. Gluten is found in many products including makeup and topical creams, and some medications including vitamins. To learn more about celiac sprue and the recommended dietary treatment contact a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

Did you know that Celiac disease …? 

• Is a genetic disorder; this means it runs in families and the trait can be inherited
  
• It is both a malabsorption and an autoimmune disease
  
• Accurate diagnosis includes a blood test and a biopsy of the small intestines
  
• If left untreated further intestinal damage occurs that will interfere with the absorption of nutrients
  
• You can live a normal healthy life by keeping a completely gluten-free diet
  
• If you suspect you have celiac sprue contact the Celiac Disease Foundation or the Celiac Sprue Association/USA, Inc. 
  

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Comparison of normal and inflamed intestine