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What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body develops an abnormal immune response to a type of protein called gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten, found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, destroys structures called villi in the lining of the small intestine in celiac patients. These structures are small projections that allow the absorption of nutrients. When the villi are damaged, nutrients cannot be fully absorbed and the body does not get enough vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs.

 

What Causes Celiac Disease?

The exact causes of celiac disease are unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Celiac disease occurs in individuals with certain genetic predispositions and is usually seen in people who carry the genetic markers HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. These genetic markers trigger a process by which gluten activates the immune system in the intestinal mucosa.

This immune response to gluten causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine. In addition to genetic predisposition, celiac disease can also be caused by environmental factors such as infections, stress, surgery and pregnancy. People who have a family member with celiac disease have a higher risk of developing the disease. Celiac disease can also be associated with other autoimmune diseases. Especially people with type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid diseases and Addison's disease are at higher risk of celiac disease.

 

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Symptoms of celiac disease can vary from person to person. While some individuals experience marked and severe symptoms, others may experience mild or no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of celiac disease are:

Digestive System Symptoms

• Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom in celiac patients. As a result of damage to the intestines, digestion and absorption of nutrients is impaired, leading to watery and frequent stools.
• Constipation: Some celiac patients may experience constipation on the contrary.
• Gas and bloating: Undigested food can lead to gas accumulation in the intestines and a feeling of bloating in the abdomen.
• Abdominal Pain: Recurrent abdominal pain is a common complaint in celiac patients.
• Fatty Stools (Steatorrhea): Damage to the intestines prevents fats from being fully absorbed, resulting in oily and foul-smelling stools.

Systemic Symptoms

• Weight Loss: In celiac disease, unexplained weight loss may occur due to malabsorption of nutrients. Weight loss may become apparent because the body cannot get enough nutrients.
• Anemia: In celiac disease, the absorption of vital nutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 may be impaired. This leads to anemia and the person feels tired and weak all the time.
• Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and lack of energy are common symptoms in celiac patients. This is caused by the body's inability to access the nutrients needed to produce enough energy.
• Bone Resorption (Osteoporosis): Impaired absorption of calcium and vitamin D can lead to decreased bone density and osteoporosis. This increases the risk of bone fracture in older celiac patients.
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin form of celiac disease, is characterized by itchy and blistering skin rashes. These rashes usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and buttocks.
• Nervous System Problems: Disorders in nutrient absorption can also have negative effects on the nervous system. This can manifest itself in celiac patients with neurological symptoms such as dizziness, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

 

Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is usually diagnosed with blood tests and a small bowel biopsy. The diagnostic process includes the following steps:

1. Blood Tests: The most commonly used test to detect celiac disease is a test that detects antibodies to gluten in the blood. Antibodies such as anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and endomysium antibodies (EMA) are found at high levels in celiac patients. These tests are highly reliable in the diagnosis of celiac disease. However, in some patients with IgA deficiency the results may be misleading, so IgA levels should also be checked.
2. Small Intestine Biopsy: A biopsy of the small intestine is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. In a procedure called endoscopy, tissue samples are taken from the small intestine and examined under a microscope. The biopsy shows whether the villi in the intestine are flattened and the inflammation in the mucosa. If the villi show atrophy and accumulation of lymphocytes, celiac disease is diagnosed.

 

Celiac Disease Treatment

The only known treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Completely eliminating gluten-containing foods from the diet allows the symptoms of the disease to be controlled and the damage to the intestines to be repaired. The basic elements of a gluten-free diet are:

1. Gluten-Free Diet: The gluten-free diet is a lifelong diet for people with celiac disease. All foods and drinks containing gluten are strictly forbidden on this diet. The basic principles of a gluten-free diet are as follows:

• Avoid all foods containing wheat, barley and rye: Gluten-containing foods such as bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, pizza, beer should be completely eliminated from the diet.
• Using gluten-free alternatives: Gluten-free grains and foods such as rice, corn, potatoes, quinoa and chickpeas should be consumed.
• Develop the habit of reading labels: Carefully check the labels of packaged products for gluten content. Sauces, instant soups and processed foods may contain gluten.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Contamination with gluten should be avoided during the preparation of gluten-free foods. Kitchen utensils, cutting boards, toasters, etc. should be kept separate.

2. Supplements and Supportive Therapy: Due to malabsorption of nutrients, celiac patients may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. Especially iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are common. Therefore, celiac patients may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements regularly.

 

Complications of Celiac Disease

Untreated celiac disease can lead to serious complications:

• Malabsorption: Inadequate absorption of nutrients resulting in nutritional deficiencies and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
• Osteoporosis: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency can cause bones to weaken and become brittle.
• Infertility and miscarriage: Untreated celiac disease can lead to infertility in women and the risk of recurrent miscarriage.
• Intestinal Lymphoma: Celiac disease left untreated for a long time can increase the risk of rare but serious forms of cancer in the intestines, such as lymphoma.

 

Living with Celiac Disease

Individuals diagnosed with celiac disease should strictly follow a gluten-free diet and have regular medical check-ups. If the gluten-free diet is followed, patients can lead a completely normal life. However, if the diet is not followed, symptoms will return and the intestines will be damaged again.

 

Why choose HealthTürkiye?

Türkiye has become a sought-after destination for medical tourism, thanks to its well-established healthcare system and highly trained medical professionals. HealthTürkiye, an official representative of the Türkiye healthcare system, has been authorized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye to assist international travelers seeking medical care in Türkiye. USHAŞ is a government-affiliated organization that makes it easier for international travelers to get the right direction and guidance for medical services. HealthTürkiye offers specialized services to guide patients from all over the world in accessing top-quality medical services in Türkiye.

HealthTürkiye provides a wide range of medical facilities and advanced technology to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. The organization collaborates with the foremost hospitals in the field to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, considering their specific needs and preferences. The medical professionals at these hospitals are highly trained and experienced, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care.

Building on the achievement of HealthTürkiye, Türkiye strives to position itself as the greatest global center for healthcare services. By prioritizing inclusive and readily available healthcare services, as well as embracing cutting-edge technology and specialized knowledge, Türkiye has emerged as an appealing destination for individuals seeking medical tourism opportunities.

If you would like to benefit from Türkiye's healthcare services, HealthTürkiye will meet you the best medical care.