400,000 Canadians May Unknowingly Have This Autoimmune Disorder

Canada, May 16, 2022-On Celiac Awareness Day, there could be 400,000 Canadians who could have celiac disease without knowing about it, according to the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA).

According to Melissa Secord, CCA's National Executive Director, "We call celiac the 'chameleon disease,' because it can manifest itself in so many different ways, causing symptoms which might seem completely unconnected to the digestive system."

Celiac Disease: What is It?

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition where the body sees gluten as an invader. As a result, the immune system fights back to destroy it. Gluten is found in many foods that have barley, rye, or wheat.

The causes of celiac disease may be genetics and gluten. However, there are also other factors. A research suggests that those who had a higher number of infections in early life and some digestive tract infections may increase the risk for celiac disease.

There is also research that leads experts to think that microbiome changes can play a role in the development of celiac disease.

For those with celiac disease, the symptoms may be so subtle that they hardly notice them at all. Over time, however, the immune reaction could damage the lining of the small intestine. When this happens, the body will be prevented to absorb nutrients properly, which can lead to many different complications and symptoms. Some even result in a long-term illness.

With its wide range of symptoms, those who have this disease might not even think it is celiac disease. 'Even physicians don't have this at the top of their head when patients come to them with a host of symptoms that could point to the autoimmune disorder.

The Symptoms of Celiac Disease

The symptoms of celiac disease vary. Here are some of them:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Lactose intolerance
• Loose and bad-smelling stools

A lot of people with celiac disease hat one or more symptoms before they are diagnosed and start treatment. Usually, symptoms go away following a gluten-free diet; however, the symptoms may occur if a person consumes small amounts of gluten.

A Proactive Approach

It's estimated that 85 percent of Canadians who have celiac disease have not been diagnosed. However, only a simple blood test could identify the disease.

The CCA encourages individuals to take a proactive approach and ask their physicians if it could be celiac.

Canada's Approach to Help People With Celiac Disease Cope

The Government of Canada helps people with celiac disease and food allergies by introducing labeling changes that highlight the allergens or gluten sources in the food more legible.

Also, they will ensure that precautionary statements, such as food warnings, will appear right away following the list of ingredients on food labels.

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Written by April Fowell