Celiac Disease and irritable bowel, which can mimic celiac disease.

What on Earth is a Celiac ?

"Mine is the classic story of a Celiac Sprue patient, undiagnosed for years when severe symptoms
appeared and I began the downward spiral to very poor health. I, who had always been quite healthy, was wasting away. Finally, I saw a young internist, who began the series of tests, searching for the clues to malnutrition, teeth and gums causing problems, and weight loss, on my already small frame. For years, I had "irritable bowel syndrome ", or so I was told. At one point, was placed on Tagament "because that could be an ulcer". The last test performed in the elimination process was an endoscopy, with small intestine biopsy, that showed completely flattened villi.
At last....a diagnosis put with the symptoms."
Kathy H
Phoenix, Az.

Our booklet
can help you
determine
if you have
Celiac Disease...

Diane Jacobs, B.A.

My hope in offering this
booklet
is that this information will contribute to an overall heightened awareness in the general public about this disease. If you find that your symptoms are not Celiac Disease, then please pass this information on to your loved ones or someone else you know that may fit the Celiac Disease profile!
~ Diane Jacobs

"I had been told for years that my health issues were either 'all in my head' or I was suffering from IBS. What I have found so helpful about this web site and the information available in the amazing e-Booklet, "What on Earth is a Celiac?", is that the author is so focused on getting this information out to people who don't even know they are Celiacs!"
Gay H.
Sarasota, Florida

Abdominal Pain & Digestive Diseases
such as
Celiac Disease and IBS

(from United Healthcare Newsletter, Spring 2005....and an addition....Celiac Disease.)

An upset stomach
usually goes away on its own,
but some abdominal pain
is a sign of serious disease
and may need a medical evaluation.

Here are some common problems
and symptoms to watch for:

Celiac Disease

Symptoms are severe abdominal pain, bloating, malodorous stools, profuse diarrhea, and weight loss in spite of eating well. Celiac Disease can also be absent of symptoms.

Gastroenteritis

The symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever and chills. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis often target children, who are more likely to become dehydrated. Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth or little or no urine.

Gerd

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and acid indigestion. It can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.

Food Poisoning

Eating certain raw or improperly prepared foods can lead to food poisoning. The symptoms are similar to those of gastroenteritis and usually go away in a few days. You can typically treat it at home by drinking fluids and resting. Call you doctor if you develop a weak pulse, symptoms of dehydration or high fever, or if your symptoms persist.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. Some people may have constipation, others diarrhea, and some alternate between the two. Symptoms are usually relieved after a bowel movement, but your doctor may suggest an antispasmodic or antidiarrheal medication if you have IBS.

Peptic Ulcer

A gnawing, dull ache that comes and goes over a period of days or weeks may be a symptom of a peptic ulcer. Taking antacids may relieve the pain, but you should talk with your doctor if you think you have a peptic ulcer.

Appendicitis

This illness occurs most often in people ages 10-30. Typically, it causes pain on the right side of the abdomen and can lead to nausea, vomiting, an inability to pass gas and abdominal swelling. Seek immediate care if you have any of these symptoms.