Classic Cause of Celiac Disease



Celiac disease happens when an inflammation in the small intestine occurs due to the damage caused by gluten in food. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and in some cases oats (still arguable to this date). When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, his or her body displays an immunological response to the substance. As a result, the lining of the small intestine becomes inflamed, and then flattening occurs.

Damage done to the intestinal villi causes the body to lose much of its absorptive functions. As a result, the body is starved of nutrients and the person then experiences the common symptoms of celiac disease, which includes cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The Genetic Factor of Celiac Disease

The prominent cause of celiac disease, however, can be more precisely attributed to heredity and genetics. The evidence is obvious when observing the likelihood of a child of a celiac parent developing the disease, which is not uncommon. It has been studied that an individual who is a first-degree relative of another who has celiac disease is more likely to have the same condition. Although inherited, celiac disease may be activated only later in adulthood, during pregnancy, after surgery, at the event of viral infection, or even when a person is under emotional stress.

Environmental Cause of Celiac Disease

The cause of celiac disease can also be attributed to environmental factors. Viruses, bacteria and other infectious factors can trigger the development of celiac disease. Changes in diet and surgery have also been found to trigger the condition by generating an intermittent immune response and changes in the body's hormonal status.

Recent studies have also shown that even linked conditions such as diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis occur in which environmental factors stimulate an immune response. This is probably also one reason why a person who is undergoing diagnosis for celiac disease is advised to observe if he or she is allergic to certain types of food (besides foods containing gluten).

Due to several possible factors that can be the cause of celiac disease, it becomes much more difficult to pinpoint an effective cure for the condition. However, prevention can be done by anybody and is the key to the relief from unwanted symptoms and the development of other serious health conditions such as bone deterioration and neurological impairments.

Whether there are established causes of celiac disease or not, it is still best to have an accurate diagnosis of the disease by your doctor. Blood tests and a biopsy can at least reveal how you are getting your symptoms and what preventive measures you should take that are appropriate. Your doctor may recommend a gluten-free diet, nutritious supplementation, regular exercise or a combination of the three.