PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Celiac disease attacks at least 1% of the U.S. population. Although it is diagnosed far more often than it used to be, people still suffer needlessly.
People with celiac disease have an immune response to gluten, a protein found in barley, rye and wheat, that causes a swelling of the small intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and bloating. A diagnosis can be made with a blood test or a biopsy.
Over time, the inflammation can prevent the absorption of some nutrients and damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to further medical complications.
The good news is that there are many foods that are gluten free and restaurants now offer gluten-free options to make avoidance of the protein easier.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
