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Subject:
From:
Sue Oliver <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 24 Oct 1998 00:21:49 -0400
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<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

This was in our local newspaper tonight and thought some might find it
interesting.....

Sue Oliver

> Q: I read with interest your column of a few weeks ago about gas and
> bloating. And I realize that many gastrointestinal problems cause the same
> symptoms. I also realize that your column has space constraints.
>
> But as a person with celiac disease and a member of the Canadian Celiac
> Association, I would like you to provide more information to people about
> this disease. -- L.H., Montreal
>
> A: You're right that space constraints often limit the amount I can write on
> any subject. So I tend to write about more common causes of problems. A
> small percentage of people with diarrhea and bloating have celiac disease,
> but when you add it up the disease still affects many people.
>
> One in 2,000 Canadians have this disease, according to the Canadian
> Celiac Association. Because it occurs primarily in people of Northern
> European ancestry, this percentage is considerably higher than it is in the
> United States. With these figures, it could mean that more than 100,000
> people in North America might have this disease, especially if you include
> many people with mild symptoms.
>
> In celiac disease, the lining of the small intestine is inflamed so foods are
> poorly absorbed and pass along to the large intestine. The poor absorption
> can cause nutritional deficiency and weight loss. And the extra food in the
> large intestine can cause bloating, flatulence and diarrhea.
>
> It is an immune-system problem that is inherited to some degree. The risk
> of getting it increases if a family member has it. More severe cases are
> usually diagnosed in childhood, but many people are not diagnosed until
> they're in their 40s.
>
> The inflammation of the intestinal lining is caused by contact with gluten.
> Gluten is the protein component of grains such as barley, oats, rye and
> wheat, and it is used as an additive in many prepared foods.
>
> A blood test for antibodies against gluten helps determine whether someone
> has celiac disease. But this test is positive in other disorders. A biopsy of
> the lining of the small intestine will confirm the diagnosis.
>
> In addition to the intestinal problems, about 10 percent of these people
> have a burning, itchy rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. Although
> everyone with this rash also has celiac disease, their intestinal symptoms
> are often mild.
>
> Treatment is straightforward -- eliminate gluten from the diet. However,
> this may require the advice of a dietitian or other nutritional expert,
> because gluten is found in many foods. In addition, the rash may also
> benefit from using medications called sulphones.
>
> I hope your disease is under control. And I thank you for asking me to >tell
> more about this condition. The Canadian Celiac Association can be
> reached at (905) 507-6208 and the U.S. Celiac Sprue Association at
> (402)  558-0600

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