Celiac Disease (Sprue)
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I've heard of Celiac Disease, but what exactly is it? And is it the same thing as "Sprue"?
The National Institutes of Health describes it as follows: Celiac Disease, also known as Sprue, is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. Causes, incidence, and risk factors The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging these villi. This damage affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly. A person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food he or she eats. The disease can develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood. People who have a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians and persons of European ancestry. Women are affected more often than men. People with celiac disease are more likely to have: Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjogren syndrome Addison's disease Down syndrome Intestinal cancer Intestinal lymphoma Lactose intolerance Thyroid disease Type 1 diabetes Symptoms The symptoms of celiac disease can be different from person to person. This is part of the reason why the diagnosis is not always made right away. For example, one person may have constipation, a second may have diarrhea, and a third may have no problem with stools. Gastrointestinal symptoms include: Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion Constipation Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged) Diarrhea, either constant or off and on Lactose intolerance (common when the person is diagnosed, usually goes away after treatment) Nausea and vomiting Stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody, or “fatty” Unexplained weight loss (although people can be overweight or of normal weight) Because the intestines do not absorb many important vitamins, minerals, and other parts of food, the following symptoms may start over time: Bruising easily Depression or anxiety Fatigue Growth delay in children Hair loss Itchy skin (dermatitis herpetiformis) Missed menstrual periods Mouth ulcers Muscle cramps and joint pain Nosebleeds Seizures Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Unexplained short height Children with celiac disease may have: Defects in the tooth enamel and changes in tooth color Delayed puberty Diarrhea, constipation, fatty or foul-smelling stools, nausea, or vomiting Irritable and fussy behavior Poor weight gain Slowed growth and shorter than normal height for their age |
Do you have Celiac Disease? Would you like to be involved in a study investigating a drug to help with the symptoms? Fantastic! We are currently finishing up our most recent celiac study and are no longer enrolling new volunteers (there were so many!) but we will be starting up a new celiac study beginning this summer! So...
Check back soon!!! |
