Celiac disease on the rise
(HealthScout) UPDATED 2009-07-01
The serious digestive system disorder known as celiac disease has become more common in the United States, a new Mayo Clinic study suggests. Celiac disease is caused by an intolerance to the protein gluten in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. The protein triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine, leading to such symptoms as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, and even premature or severe osteoporosis. The new Mayo Clinic study found that the disease is four times more prevalent in the United States today than in the 1950s, affecting about 1 in every 100 people, and scientists are at a loss to explain why. They speculate, however, that something in our environment has changed to make the disease more common.
Read full story >
See all Inflammatory Bowel Disease News
