Points to be addressed:
What is coeliac disease?
Describe the basic causes and symptoms of coeliac disease
Explain the effect of coeliac disease on intestinal villus and how this leads to its symptoms
Describe the effect of genetics on a persons predisposition to coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten. Symptoms can be: diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, feeling fatigue all the time (this is as a consequence of malnutrition, not receiving enough nutrients from food), and if a child, not growing at the expected rate.
Coeliac disease is not an allergy not intolerance to gluten. It is an autoimmune condition meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The immune system of someone who has coeliac disease accidentally mistakes the substances within gluten dangerous to the body and attacks. This reaction causes damage to the surface of the small intestine, disrupting absorbance of nutrients from foods (which is why malnutrition may be a symptom). The reason behind the immune system's reaction to gluten is still not entirely clear however it is known that a person genetic makeup as well as the environment have an effect.
The immune system produces antibodies in order to "fight off" a substance called gliodin, which is found within gluten. These antibodies which are produced irritate the surface of the intestine causing it to become red and inflamed (red and swollen). Villi covers the surface of the small intestine in order to increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients. However as a consequence of coeliac disease the inflammation and swelling flattens the villi limiting their him in absorption. Consequently this means digestion is affected leading to as I said before inefficiency of absorbance of nutrients leading to the symptoms listed above.
It has not been discovered fully why some people have coeliac disease or the reasons behind why some people have mild symptoms and others severe. Although there are some factors which can increase the chances of coeliac disease. Family history increases the chance of coeliac disease. Family history increases the chance of having coeliac disease by 10%, more so if you have an identical twin 75%, that you will also develop the condition. Research has provided evidence that the disease is associated with a number of genetic mutations affecting a group of genes called the HLA-DQ genes. These genes are responsible for the development of the immune system. The fact that these mutations occur in about 1/3 of the population suggests that perhaps there is something else, such as environmental factors also playing a part.
Environmental factors are thought to play a role in coeliac disease. Through introducing gluten to a baby's diet before they are three months old may increase the risk of developing coeliac disease. Doctors and experts say not giving your baby/child gluten until at least six months old. If the baby is not breastfed whilst gluten has been introduced this is also thought to increase chances.
Although there is not direct cure for coeliac disease there is treatment. For example switching to a gluten free diet. This is recommended to remove gluten from your diet no matter the severity of the condition.
Testing for coeliac disease is done through 'screening' this is usually only recommended for those who have a history of coeliac disease within their family. Blood tests can also be done to determine if a person may have coeliac disease. A biopsy is then completed in order to confirm the diagnosis of the blood test.
What is coeliac disease?
Describe the basic causes and symptoms of coeliac disease
Explain the effect of coeliac disease on intestinal villus and how this leads to its symptoms
Describe the effect of genetics on a persons predisposition to coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten. Symptoms can be: diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, feeling fatigue all the time (this is as a consequence of malnutrition, not receiving enough nutrients from food), and if a child, not growing at the expected rate.
Coeliac disease is not an allergy not intolerance to gluten. It is an autoimmune condition meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The immune system of someone who has coeliac disease accidentally mistakes the substances within gluten dangerous to the body and attacks. This reaction causes damage to the surface of the small intestine, disrupting absorbance of nutrients from foods (which is why malnutrition may be a symptom). The reason behind the immune system's reaction to gluten is still not entirely clear however it is known that a person genetic makeup as well as the environment have an effect.
The immune system produces antibodies in order to "fight off" a substance called gliodin, which is found within gluten. These antibodies which are produced irritate the surface of the intestine causing it to become red and inflamed (red and swollen). Villi covers the surface of the small intestine in order to increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients. However as a consequence of coeliac disease the inflammation and swelling flattens the villi limiting their him in absorption. Consequently this means digestion is affected leading to as I said before inefficiency of absorbance of nutrients leading to the symptoms listed above.
It has not been discovered fully why some people have coeliac disease or the reasons behind why some people have mild symptoms and others severe. Although there are some factors which can increase the chances of coeliac disease. Family history increases the chance of coeliac disease. Family history increases the chance of having coeliac disease by 10%, more so if you have an identical twin 75%, that you will also develop the condition. Research has provided evidence that the disease is associated with a number of genetic mutations affecting a group of genes called the HLA-DQ genes. These genes are responsible for the development of the immune system. The fact that these mutations occur in about 1/3 of the population suggests that perhaps there is something else, such as environmental factors also playing a part.
Environmental factors are thought to play a role in coeliac disease. Through introducing gluten to a baby's diet before they are three months old may increase the risk of developing coeliac disease. Doctors and experts say not giving your baby/child gluten until at least six months old. If the baby is not breastfed whilst gluten has been introduced this is also thought to increase chances.
Although there is not direct cure for coeliac disease there is treatment. For example switching to a gluten free diet. This is recommended to remove gluten from your diet no matter the severity of the condition.
Testing for coeliac disease is done through 'screening' this is usually only recommended for those who have a history of coeliac disease within their family. Blood tests can also be done to determine if a person may have coeliac disease. A biopsy is then completed in order to confirm the diagnosis of the blood test.