Types of celiac disease and their characteristics

Concerning the so-called pathology, it is vital to know that it doesn’t at all times present itself in the identical way. This is why the differing types of celiac disease have been studied and classified.

It is an autoimmune pathology related to gluten. Gluten is a protein present in many foods, especially those who contain wheat or barley. In Europe, we estimated that it affects roughly 1% of the population.

The problem is that it may be asymptomatic in a lot of cases. This makes the diagnosis more complex and delayed. We due to this fact explain to you in this text the major kinds of celiac disease in addition to their characteristics.

What is celiac disease?

As we have now just mentioned, celiac disease is an autoimmune pathology which is characterised by a response to gluten. In other words, when this protein is ingested, an immune response takes place within the small intestine. This response ultimately damages the intestinal lining.

Furthermore, gluten is a protein that’s present in numerous cereals. Particularly wheat, rye or barley. In general, these food are very present within the food regimen. These cereals are a part of bread and pasta.

Progressive damage to the intestinal lining affects nutrient absorption over time during digestion. This is why, in lots of cases, there’s a weightlossanemia or impaired growth in children.

Although it just isn’t yet known exactly what causes the differing types of celiac disease, it is understood that the genetic factor is decisive. Likewise, it is usually related to other kinds of autoimmune diseases. According to at least one study published within the Cuban Journal of Food and Nutritionceliac disease and sort 1 diabetes mellitus might be linked.

Types of celiac disease

Within celiac disease, there are different clinical forms depending on the symptoms and the outcomes of certain additional examinations which permit the digestive system to be explored. According to Federation of Associations of Celiac People in Spain, almost 75% of patients are undiagnosed.

This data comes from the proven fact that, until not so way back, we didn’t know that there might be asymptomatic cases. Therefore, the kinds of celiac disease are asymptomatic, symptomatic, potential, latent and refractory. Here are their major characteristics.

Asymptomatic celiac disease

Asymptomatic celiac disease or subclinicas indicated by his name, is the one that doesn’t show symptoms. However, during additional tests (similar to an endoscopy to have a look at the intestine), the presence of the disease becomes apparent.

Classic or symptomatic celiac disease

In this case, the affected person has each symptoms and positive test results. However, the signs are very varied. Some people experience diarrhea, weight reduction, fatigue, vomiting and abdominal pain.

While in other cases we see continued constipation as an alternative of diarrhea. Other typical symptoms are growth retardation within the case of youngsters, meteorism and abdominal distention. Indirectly, we notice anemia, and even constant irritability.

Potential celiac disease

This variety of celiac disease refers to individuals who don’t present symptoms but for whom a high probability of developing this pathology has been demonstrated. This could be verified through genetic testing, similar to determining the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 gene.

However, in these patients, a biopsy of the tissue of the small intestine reveals no signs of the disease. According to a article from the Chilean Medical Journal, these people should ideally be closely monitored. Even in the event that they don’t have to follow a strict gluten-free food regimen.

Latent disease

In this case, the person received a positive diagnosis, but after some time no symptoms or intestinal disorders are noted. For example, a patient diagnosed during childhood who, by following a strict gluten-free food regimen, now not suffers from the disease despite the reintroduction of this protein.

Refractory celiac disease

Celiac disease refractory refers to cases which, despite a gluten-free food regimen, still present symptoms or signs of the disease. In order to verify this data, it’s essential that the person stays for greater than six months with none contact with the protein.

Conclusion…

The most significant thing to recollect is that there is no such thing as a one type of celiac disease. Also bear in mind that it may leave intestinal damage in individuals who don’t express symptoms. In most cases, so it just isn’t easy to get a diagnosis.

Furthermore, it’s essential to verify the presence of this pathology in time because intestinal damage can develop into irreversible and have serious consequences. In particular, they’ll result in malnutrition or stunted growth in children.

So, If you think gastrointestinal symptoms when ingesting gluten, it is crucial to seek the advice of a health care provider. Additional tests are also available and could be performed relatively easily.