Some estimates say that about two million people in the United States have celiac disease, and about 1% of the world suffers from it. Furthermore, a lot of people remain undiagnosed. Symptoms can vary widely, and the disease can lead to long-term health complications. What is celiac disease, exactly? Additionally, where does it even come from, to begin with? Is celiac disease genetic, or is it something you “catch” or develop due to environmental factors?

Let’s start at the beginning.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive and immune disorder. It mainly impacts the small intestine, causing damage to the organ when the individual eats foods containing gluten. (More on gluten in a moment.) What happens is your immune system thinks that gluten is a threat to your health. So, it produces antibodies that cause your intestine to become inflamed.

Symptoms of celiac disease include:

• Bloating.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
• Lactose intolerance.

Note that celiac disease and gluten insensitivity are not the same things. If someone has gluten insensitivity, they might have similar symptoms, but they won’t ultimately experience the same damage to their small intestine. The same can be said for individuals with wheat insensitivity. In celiac disease, the body’s immune system attacks itself, and so can cause permanent damage and even downstream effects such as preventing your body from receiving and holding onto the nutrients that come from food. With sensitivity, the immune system is not involved, and the individual can technically still eat gluten but in smaller amounts. Also, note that technically, celiac disease is not a food allergy because the body doesn’t go into anaphylactic shock after the individual has consumed gluten.

If an individual’s celiac disease goes untreated, it can lead to other autoimmune disorders, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes. They might also experience anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, miscarriage, thyroid diseases, dermatitis herpetiformis (a type of skin rash), heart disease, intestinal cancers, and neurological problems like migraines and epilepsy. Liver damage and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are other potential complications, although they’re less likely.

If an individual thinks they might be dealing with celiac disease, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to get diagnosed and go on a gluten-free diet.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein that occurs naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. You can also find it in many foods we commonly eat, like pasta and bread. Additionally, non-food items can be made with gluten. These can include makeup and toothpaste.

Is gluten inherently bad for you? Unless you have an insensitivity or celiac disease, it’s safe to consume gluten. But even if you don’t have any diagnosed gluten problems, it’s still important to listen to your body and avoid any foods or ingredients that leave you feeling unwell! Also worth noting is that the gluten-free movement has absolutely been encouraged by social media, with gluten-free foods popping up on grocery store shelves all over the world. Be mindful that sometimes, when manufacturers remove gluten from food, they replace it with other undesirable ingredients in order to achieve the same (or similar) results. So, it’s worth spending time reading the nutrition labels carefully. Consider the bigger picture that we should generally eat a variety of foods from different food groups for maximum nutrition. Any excess or deficiency in any food group can cause harm.

Is Celiac Disease Genetic? Here’s What Science Has Found So Far

How does an individual end up with this condition? Celiac disease is more common in people who have a family history of it. However, having those specific genes doesn’t automatically mean that the individual will experience celiac disease. They can even have celiac disease but be asymptomatic. While family history is a big determining factor, one can still develop celiac disease at any age in response to consuming food with gluten.

Individuals who have specific chromosomal disorders — like Turner syndrome and Down syndrome — are also more likely to have it.

How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will want to know the individual’s symptoms as well as any family history. Ultimately, celiac disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood draw. A doctor might also take a biopsy of the small intestine to determine any damage done to it. Additionally, an upper endoscopy might be necessary, during which the biopsy can happen. This allows the doctor to examine the upper digestive system — which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the start of the small intestine — using a small camera on the end of a thin, flexible tube. While it might sound scary, the patient will be sedated! This is also usually an outpatient procedure, meaning they go home the same day.

eNational tests for celiac antibodies to determine if you have an aversion to gluten. Learn more about how the test works and order yours in just a few clicks. We can also help if you have other allergies or sensitivities, like food sensitivities or environmental allergies.

If you think you might be dealing with celiac disease, order your panel with eNational Health today. Results are available and sent via email in three to six days. If further attention is required, you’ll have the opportunity to set up an appointment with a healthcare provider once your results are available. We have more than 2,000 locations across the country, and you don’t need to see your doctor first before scheduling an appointment.

Find the most convenient location for you and order your test today!