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| Alternative Names: | Sprue; Nontropical sprue; Gluten intolerance
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| Treatment: | A life-long gluten-free diet is required. This allows the intestinal villi to heal. Foods that contain wheat, rye, oats, and barley must be eliminated from the diet. Food and drug labels should be read carefully to look for "hidden" sources of gluten. This often includes the words "vegetable protein" or "plant protein" (such as "tvp" -- textured vegetable protein). Other hidden sources of gluten include grain derivatives such as malt, modified food starch, soy sauce (some types), grain vinegar (or "distilled vinegar"), and some binders, fillers, and flavorings.
Vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed to correct nutritional deficiencies.
Sometimes, corticosteroids (such as prednisone) may also be required.
The stress of a chronic disorder such as celiac disease can sometimes be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
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| Expectations (prognosis): | Untreated, the disorder can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms usually disappear within several weeks after the person begins a gluten-free diet. The gluten-free diet must be followed continuously or the symptoms will return.
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| Complications: | Vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as rickets and osteomalacia are common complications. Other complications include pancreas disorders, damage to the nerves, infertility, and miscarriage. People with celiac disease may be at a greater risk for lymphoma and intestinal cancers.
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| Calling your health care provider: | Call your health care provider if symptoms develop that are suggestive of celiac disease.
An appointment with a nutritionist or registered dietician may be helpful in determining dietary guidelines and finding safe foods. Many communities have support groups such as the Celiac Disease Foundation; these groups are also a good source of information about proper diet for those with the condition.
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Review Date: 5/9/2002
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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