Welcome back, returning readers, and welcome, new readers! Here on our blog, we share incredibly insightful information in the world of gastrointestinal health. Today, we are continuing our series on villous atrophy.
Wheat allergy vs. celiac disease:
For those that did not yet get a chance to read our last article, check it out, and come right back. Trying to find the root of your gastro health issues can prove to be daunting. However, with the help of an extremely knowledgeable gastroenterology team, treatment options may be presented on the first visit.
In the last blog, readers found information on wheat allergies and gluten sensitivities. As always, visit that article for more in depth info. To start, doctors always recommend beginning with a food journal.
Logging foods, supplements, medicines, and drinks consumed at specific times of the day and during specific activity levels provide plenty of unique information on what is going on inside each patient’s gastro life. If you suspect you experience wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity symptoms, make an appointment to expedite relief.
Some patients may receive helpful information and feel same-day relief. Others will walk through a longer journey alongside our team of medical professionals to offer long-term relief after more vigorous examination.
How Villous Atrophy is caused:
As we dipped our toes into the topic of villous atrophy, we touched on how it is caused. When people with celiac disease do not avoid gluten, the lining of the small intestine will eventually wear down. Villous atrophy occurs when the villi, small finger-like tentacles which line the wall of the small intestine, erode away.
This leaves a much smoother, flat surface in the small intestine. Because the villi absorb the nutrients contained in food eaten, this leaves a person with nutritional deficiencies once the villi are gone. Celiac disease is the most talked about cause of villous atrophy.
It is usually the first cause doctors rule out. For people that have celiac disease, the immune system triggers an attack on the intestinal villi when gluten is consumed. As you may guess, this is dangerous to one’s health.
Marsh score:
This autoimmune disease attack may eventually lead to villous atrophy. Doctors can give a patient a Marsh score to measure the severity of the damage done. The Marsh Score system was developed to give patients a way to better understand the damage caused by celiac disease.
If you are or plan to be tested for celiac disease, the doctor will likely perform an endoscopy and biopsy. This lets the doctor know if the small intestine is damaged by gluten consumed. The doctor may also take a small sample of the tissue from the lining of the small intestine, but you should not feel any pain.
Come back next week as we share more in this series. Make an appointment today if you suspect you have celiac disease or wheat allergy. Reversing past damage may not be possible while preventing further damage may be tremendously easy!
While summer vacations are nearing end, parents may have more cleared schedules for doctors appointment. Do not hesitate as your health depends on it. See you next time!
Staff Writer