COELIAC DISEASE

Coeliac Disease



Role of Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry in the

Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease

Introduction

Most people may wonder about this question. Whenever one feels a little ill, the first thing to notice are the symptoms, and then understand what is causing the symptoms. What is celiac disease? Celiac disease is a condition that affects many people. A protein called gluten triggers this illness. The disease affects the small intestines, which are responsible for the intake of the nutrients. (Corazza, Villanacci, 2005, pp 574) So now, one is aware of the disease rather than of asking, what is celiac disease? The gluten protein is found in many foods. People who suffer from celiac disease go on a special diet. The diet does not include foods that contain the protein. (Hill, Holmes, 2008, pp 575) What is celiac disease? A lifelong disease that is only treated with a gluten free diet. Many stores in your local area may carry these products. The products' labels may indicate whether the food is gluten free or not. If there are no such stores in your local area, you can contact special foods stores and enquire.

Many symptoms are associated with the disease. You may have had some of the symptoms and asked yourself, what is celiac disease? The symptoms do not appear all at once and neither do they last the same time. In addition, they vary between individuals. Losing weight is one of the symptoms you may consider when you suspect to have the celiac disease. The question, what is celiac disease? Can be answered if one is aware of several symptoms that are similar to what they are experiencing. However, not all people will lose weight.

Other symptoms that may be associated with celiac disease are excessive bleeding, diarrhea, stools that do not sink in the toilet, constipation, excessive gas, muscle weakness, skin rash and many more. For you to be sure, when you ask yourself what is celiac disease? You should visit a doctor for diagnosis. (Hill, Holmes, 2008, pp 575) Celiac disease, sometimes called sprue or celiac sprue, is an inherited intestinal disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, farina, and bulgur. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune systems respond by attacking and damaging the lining of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food into the bloodstream for the body to use. When the lining is damaged, so is its ability to absorb these nutrients.

Pathogenesis

Until recently, celiac disease was considered uncommon in the United States. However, recent studies suggest that the disease may be underdiagnosed and that as many as 1 percent of all Americans could have the disease. (Corazza, Villanacci, 2005, pp 574) Celiac disease affects people differently. Some people develop symptoms as children and others as adults. Symptoms vary and may or may not occur in the digestive system. They may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, irritability, and depression, among ...