Fast Facts 2
- A genetic disease, resulting from environmental (gluten) and genetic (HLA and non-HLA genes) factors.
- Estimated 1 % Americans (1 in 133) has celiac disease.
- 5-22% of celiac patients have an immediate family member involved.
- Infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases are other disorders associated with celiac disease.
- Average weight time for correct diagnosis is 6-10 years.
Prevalence 3
- Higher prevalent in women as compared to men with male: female ratio of 1:2.8
North America: Overall CD prevalence
- 1:133 :- Not at risk groups
- 1:22 :- first-degree relatives
- 1:39 :- second-degree relatives
South America
- Brazil: 1:681 in healthy blood donors & 1:473 among adult outpatients attending clinical laboratory for routine blood testing
- Argentina: urban areas – 1:167
Overall prevalence in western population: close to 1 % and higher in Northern European countries.
Africa
- North Africa: 0.28%-5.6% in general population
- Algeria : 16.4% (highest with CD associated with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
Oceania
- Western Australia: overall prevalence is 1:251 (0.4%)
- New Zealand: overall prevalence is 1:82 (1.2%)
Asia
- India: 1:100-1:310
Middle East: 1:87-1:166
Prevalence of CD is 0.5-1% in all parts of world, except for population having very low and high gluten in their diet.
Signs & Symptoms of celiac disease
Digestive symptoms: more common in children and include
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
- Gas
- Stomach pain
- Nausea & vomiting
- Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
Adults are less likely to have digestive problems and may instead have one/more of the following:
- Headache
- Anemia
- Bone or joint pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Feeling tired or fatigue
- Missed menstrual periods
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriage
- Seizures
- Osteoporosis
- Tingling numbness in hands & feet