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May 21, 2008

Naturally GF Cooking. Cook book authors Donna Washburn and Heather Butt.

Nominations & Elections for Board

 


Celiac Disease on "The View"

Dr. Peter Green of Columbia University discusses celiac disease.

VIDEO

USA Today Article

CD Featured on CBS News

Celiac Disease was featured in a segment on CBS news on Friday, October 6th, including an interview with Dr. Peter Green. Click on the link below to see the text and video.

CBS News Story

New Celiac Center Opens

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has opened the "Center for Celiac Disease", a multidisciplinary resource for the diagnosis, treatment and support of people and families with celiac disease.

See Full Story

 

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease. A protein found in wheat, rye and barley causes the body's immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine.

What are the Symptoms?

Celiac Disease presents itself in many ways. Symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating and distension
  • Anorexia
  • Anemia
  • Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Short stature
  • Delayed puberty
  • Infertility
  • Miscarriages
  • Osteoporosis
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Fatigue
  • Depression and anxiety
How common is it?

1 in 133 Americans according to a recent study by the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland. That amounts to nearly 3-million people in the United States, most of whom are undiagnosed.

How is it diagnosed?

Good blood tests are now available including IgA antihuman tissue transglutaminase (TTG) and IgA endomysial antibody immunofluorescence (EMA). The NIH Consensus Conference on Celiac Disease recommended serologic testing as the first step in diagnosis with biopsy of the small intestine indicated if the blood tests are positive. Testing must be done while the patient is on a gluten-containing diet.

97% of people with celiac disease have the genetic markers HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 compared to 40% of the general population who have these markers so an individual without these markers is unlikely to have celiac disease.

How is it treated?

Life-long adherence to a gluten-free diet.


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