Thanks to advances in modern medicine and the availability of various testing methods, correctly diagnosing gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, is becoming easier.
Celiac disease most often affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constant fatigue are just some of the possible symptoms and they are usually difficult to recognise. Due to the nature of these symptoms, celiac disease can be misinterpreted as an allergic reaction or irritable bowel syndrome. The self-test for gluten intolerance (celiac disease) GLUTEN'ALARM will give you the answers you need.
Some factors that can trigger celiac disease in people who are genetically predisposed to it include prolonged stress, severe inflammation, or major surgery.
The risk of celiac disease is thought to be higher in people who suffer from other autoimmune diseases. Since this form of gluten intolerance is genetically determined, people whose parents or children suffer from celiac disease are also in the risk group. However, the children of parents who have celiac disease are not always at high risk of developing this condition.
What are the symptoms in adults?
When it comes to celiac disease, the symptoms are not only related to the digestive system, but also impact the overall health and day-to-day life of a person. Some of the first symptoms may be fatigue, weight loss, rashes or dermatitis, and irritability. Sometimes this can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or delay the diagnosis of gluten intolerance.
Gastrointestinal symptoms may include:
Chronic or prolonged diarrhoea
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pains
Stomach cramps or bloating
Other symptoms that often occur with celiac disease are:
Constant fatigue
Anaemia and deficiency of iron, vitamins, or folic acid
Dermatitis
Mood swings, hyperactivity, or apathy
Depression
Canker sores and cold sores
Muscle and joint pain
Menstrual disorders
What are the symptoms in children?
Diagnosing children with gluten intolerance is possible after they start consuming foods that contain this protein. Possible symptoms include:
Growth disorders
Slow weight gain
Anaemia
Chronic diarrhoea
Rickets
Bloated stomach, stomach pains
Long-term consequences
The longer celiac disease goes undiagnosed, the greater the risk of developing other diseases. Other health side effects can include reproductive difficulties, anaemia, osteoporosis, migraines, asthma, and depression.
In some people, celiac disease is asymptomatic and harder to detect. However, as soon as it is correctly identified, it is important to start a strict gluten-free diet to avoid possible health complications. If you get a positive test result for celiac disease, it is recommended to visit a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis and advise you about the necessary gluten-free diet.
What is the difference between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity?
In addition to celiac disease, there is also a milder form of gluten intolerance. Known as gluten sensitivity, this is not an autoimmune disease, but rather a condition that does not damage the small intestine. However, symptoms between the two conditions can be similar. People who are sensitive to gluten may also experience symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and gas. Early testing and consulting a doctor are extremely important so that the person can be diagnosed correctly and take the necessary measures.