WHAT IF YOU CANNOT EAT WHEAT OR WHEAT CONTAINING FOOD?

 

Many of the people around us are intolerant to wheat or any of the products that contain wheat inside it or made of it. As they consume such foods, they develop gastrointestinal problems or oral health issues.

Such people are considered to have permanent intolerance to a protein which is found in gluten food. This protein is called “Gliadin”. In addition to wheat, it is also present in rye, barley and possibly oats as well. This condition is known as Coeliac Disease or also known as Gluten-sensitive enteropathy.

Background & History:

This condition was first described in detail in 1887. It was previously known as Coeliac Sprue. This word “Sprue” is from the Dutch word meaning aphthous ulcers which are typically found in the mouth. It means that oral ulceration is an important feature of Coeliac disease.

Signs & Symptoms:

a)      Diarrhea

b)      Abdominal pain

c)       Loss of appetite

d)      Bloating

e)      Anemia due to malabsorption.

ORAL FEATURES:

a)      Oral Ulcers

b)      Glossitis

c)       Angular chielitis

d)      Enamel defects on permanent teeth.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE COELIAC DISEASE?

There are two types of investigations can be conducted to confirm coeliac disease.

a)      Biopsy of the small bowel

b)      Blood tests (auto-antibodies: IgA anti-gliadin, IgA anti-reticulin, IgA-endomysial)

HOW TO TREAT COELIAC DISEASE?

a)      Lifelong adherence to gluten-free diet

b)      Use Multi-vitamins and dietary supplements to prevent deficiencies

WHAT TO DO IF DIAGNOSED WITH COELIAC DISEASE?

a)      Physician follow-up… at time of diagnosis, 3–6-month visit,12-month visit, annual thereafter

b)      Dietician follow-up… at the time of diagnosis, 2–4-week visit, 6–12-month visit, 24-month visit.