Wheat allergy

Coeliac disease is immunologically mediated inflammatory disorder of the small intestine occurring in genetically susceptible individuals characterized by sensitivity to proteins named “Gluten” found in the grains wheat, rye and barley. Far from being a medical rarity, coeliac disease is very common today. The condition occurs world-wide but is more common in Northern Europe and Northern part of India. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide.
Coeliac disease is very commonly referred to as wheat allergy by non - medico. In actual there is slight difference between two i.e. wheat allergy is not an auto-immune disease, although symptoms are similar.
Coeliac disease is primarily characterized by inflammation of the small bowel mucosa and atrophy of the villi, resulting in nutrient malabsorption, wasting and diarrhea. The intestinal damage can cause weight loss, bloating and sometimes diarrhea. Eventually brain, nervous system, bones, liver and other organs can be deprived of vital nourishment. The hallmark of coeliac disease is the presence of an abnormal small-intestinal biopsy and the response of the condition to the elimination of gluten from the diet.
CAUSE OF COELIAC DISEASE
The precise cause of coeliac disease isn't known. In fact, most researchers believe multiple factors are involved, all of which may be necessary for the condition to develop. Environmental, immunologic, and genetic factors all appear to contribute to the disease.
CLINICAL FEATURES
There are more than 300 symptoms of coeliac disease, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals develop symptoms early in life, while others feel healthy far into adulthood. Some people with coeliac disease have no signs or symptoms at all. These differences make it difficult to diagnose coeliac disease. As many as 95% of people with coeliac disease may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions. Some of the typical symptoms are ::
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Malnutrition
- Anorexia
- Abdominal distention
- Short stature
- Weakness / Fatigue
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
- Complete blood count
- Coeliac serology – IgA antibody and tTG assay - Endoscopy and Biopsy of small intestine is the gold standard - Coeliac tissue typing (HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 are necessary permissive genes for the development of coeliac disease. This tests allows the exclusion of coeliac disease.) COMPLICATIONS AND PROGNOSIS
The most important complication of coeliac disease is the development of malignancy, particularly of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, small bowel carcinoma and squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus. The development of malignancy secondary to long-standing coeliac disease, especially with poor adherence to the strict gluten-free diet, is mostly a problem seen in the adult population
MANAGEMENT OF COELIAC DISEASE
The foods to avoid are wheat, rye, and barley, as well as all food products made from these grains. Even a small amount of gluten can lead to damage of the small intestine. In some patients additional complications may develop as a result of the coeliac disease, in which further treatment may be required like correction of existing deficiencies of iron, folate, calcium and/or vitamin D.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Homeopathy is the holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat coeliac disease symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. Homeopathic treatment treats the disease at the root level, hence enhancing the immunity, removing the underlining susceptibility and bring out the cure.