Celiac disease is a disease that leads to a chronic inflammatory state of the small intestine. It is triggered by an intolerance to gluten, a protein complex found in certain cereals such as wheat, barley, rye and spelled.
More and more people are affected. But unfortunately its recognition is not always easy or immediate. According to the data of the Aic (Italian Celiac Association), today in Italy there are over 225,000 affected subjects. However, around 600,000 are estimated. This means that there are still nearly 400,000 people suffering from celiac disease without knowing it. In fact, many do not have severe symptoms. Some are even asymptomatic.
In fact, the symptoms are varied and very vague. They change according to the subjectivity of the individual and his level of intolerance. On average, it takes 6 years to arrive at the definitive diagnosis.
The generic and most common symptoms
The most common symptoms that should lead to suspicion of celiac disease, or at least a strong intolerance to gluten, concern the intestinal sphere. Diarrhea, colitis, abdominal bloating … Often associated with severe weight loss.
Many are unaware that celiac disease can also manifest itself through this truly unsuspected symptom
In reality, however, there are many other extra intestinal symptoms that do not immediately lead to think of celiac disease, and therefore of the correct diagnosis.
Once celiac disease is discovered, there is no cure. It is simply necessary to follow a gluten-free diet. All my life and in a very rigid way. However, if the disease is not identified and therefore one continues to eat bread, pasta and all their derivatives, the inflammatory state worsens and could even lead to dramatic outcomes such as bowel cancer.
Erpetiform dermatitis
Also known as Duhring’s dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis is one of those strange symptoms that should make one think of celiac disease. It occurs in 10% of celiacs.
How it manifests itself
Dermatitis herpetiformis manifests itself with wheals, bubbles and blisters that create severe itching. Scratching thus gives rise to abrasions and small wounds which in turn give rise to scabs. In practice, a symptomatology very similar to that of herpes and chickenpox. It mostly appears on the elbows, back of the neck, knees and buttocks. More rarely on the face and in the groin area.
And so here we have revealed one of the less immediate symptoms. In fact, many are unaware that celiac disease can also manifest itself through this truly unsuspected symptom.
Even in the case of the slightest doubt, it is good to make clinical investigations. Celiac disease can now be identified by looking for specific autoantibodies in the blood. And then, for any further information, through a biopsy of the duodenum.
Deepening
Few people know it but this is the most silent and aggressive tumor
(We remind you to carefully read the warnings regarding this article, which can be consulted WHO”)