Earlier, Celiac Disease was regarded as a rare disease caused by the intolerance to gluten. However, a recent study has turned this assumption upside down by claiming that it affects about one-hundredth of Americans, which is as bad as Type-I diabetes. Even this figure may be misleading, as the symptoms are identical to many other digestive tract disorders.

The study, conducted by Mayo Clinic scientists headed by Dr. Joseph Murray, is based on blood samples from the Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming during 1948-54 and those collected recently from Olmsted County, Minnesota. The antibodies produced in both the samples were compared to reach the conclusion. The present generation is found to be 4.5 times riskier of having Celiac Disease.

The research team also found that the likelihood of undiagnosed Celiac Disease has risen four times in the past half century. Both these findings can catapult CD as a major health concern.

Gluten is a protein present in wheat, barley and rye. When a CD-afflicted person consumes these, the immune system retaliates by destructing villi in the small intestine, which is vital for absorption of nutrients. The symptoms of the disease include stomach uneasiness, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, infertility and osteoporosis. Untreated CD may lead to diabetes, hepatitis, thyroiditis, lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Due to unknown changes in the environment, the disease is becoming more common. By raising awareness levels among general population and health professionals, the disease can be diagnosed early and treated. Until now, patients are screened for the disease only when they approach a doctor with evident symptoms.

The sole treatment for CD is gluten-free diet. As gluten comes from various sources like food, medicines or even lip balms, it is an uphill task for the CD patients.

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