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How common is celiac disease?
Celiac disease was once thought to be rare in the United States. Research now indicates that more than one out of every 133 people in the general population has celiac disease.
Why do people develop celiac disease?
People with celiac disease have a genetic predisposition for developing celiac disease. In other words, they inherit a gene or genes from their parents that make them susceptible to celiac disease. In order to actually develop celiac disease, they must have gluten in their diet and may also need some other event, such as a viral infection, to trigger the disease.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Gluten has unique properties, such as stickiness, that are important for baking. Although oats do not naturally contain gluten, a few patients with celiac disease may not tolerate them. Furthermore, oats are frequently contaminated with small amounts of wheat because the two grains are often grown in the same fields and processed in the same factories. Thus, oats are currently considered unsafe to eat. Other gluten-containing grains include: duram, triticale, kamut, semolina, and spelt. Gluten is found throughout the western diet and is widely used in processed foods. In addition, gluten can be found in:
- Oral medications
- Adhesive on postage stamps and stickers
- Art supplies, such as glue and play-dough
Who is at high risk to develop celiac disease?
Individuals who have family members with celiac disease are themselves at increased risk to develop celiac disease. Celiac disease is also associated with a number of other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, arthritis and Down's syndrome.
How is celiac disease different from a food allergy?
Food allergies are the result of a different kind of immune process. In contrast to celiac disease, exposure to certain foods in patients with food allergy may cause breathing problems or other sudden life-threatening reactions. Also, children may outgrow certain food allergies beginning in infancy, while celiac disease is a life-long condition.
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