/assets/images/provider/photos/2835111.jpeg)
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about two million people in the United States have celiac disease, but who’s at risk? Learn more about the prevalent risk factors for Celiac Disease below.
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, only about 30% of people with Celiac Disease get a proper diagnosis, meaning 70% of people still don’t know they have it. The symptoms of Celiac disease are uncomfortable, but the silent damage it’s doing to the intestines is another problem.
Knowing your risk for Celiac disease is an essential part of prevention. At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dr. Ilyas Memon offers colonoscopies and endoscopies to evaluate for Celiac disease in patients with abdominal pain and diarrhea.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks gluten in the GI tract. Gluten is a protein found in many foods containing wheat, rye, and barley.
Some people are sensitive to gluten and experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after eating it. But people with Celiac disease have more severe symptoms and chronic inflammation.
The dangerous aspect of Celiac disease is the intestinal inflammation it causes. Inflammation damages the inside of the intestines, making it difficult for them to function properly and absorb nutrients.
Long-term damage from untreated Celiac disease causes damage in the intestines that leads to malnutrition and malabsorption.
Five common risk factors
Knowing your risk for Celiac disease is the first step in ensuring your GI tract stays healthy, but what are the risk factors? The following five factors are significant for developing Celiac disease:
1. Genetics
Genetics is a major factor in Celiac disease. Most people with celiac disease have the HLA-DQ2 gene, while only a few carry the HLA-DQ8 gene. Although it’s not a guarantee, people with these genes are at a heightened risk.
2. Triggering events
People at risk for Celiac disease may carry the genes but never have a triggering event. However, some may develop the condition after high-stress situations like pregnancy, childbirth, or surgery.
3. Other autoimmune disorders
Other autoimmune disorders are a major risk factor for developing Celiac disease. If you have Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune thyroid issues, you’re at a higher risk for celiac disease.
4. Family history of Celiac
Anyone with a first-degree relative with Celiac disease can develop the disease more easily than those who don’t have a family history.
5. Chromosomal disorders
People with Down’s, Williams, and Turner syndromes are more likely to develop Celiac disease.
Is Celiac Disease unavoidable?
Having the above risk factors increases the risk of developing Celiac Disease, but it’s not a guarantee. Even if you have the genetic component, only a few percent of people actually develop celiac disease from an autoimmune response.
The good news is that you’re not doomed to have Celiac because you fit into the risk factors, but it does mean you need to be vigilant. It’s essential to monitor your gut health and undergo testing to ensure you remain healthy.
If you would like to discuss Celiac disease, your risk, and treatment options, call Texas Digestive Disease Consultants today or request a consultation with Dr. Memon on our website.