Final answer:
Celiac disease is diagnosed through serological tests for IgA antibodies and endoscopy with biopsy. Upon diagnosis, treatment involves following a gluten-free diet, with ongoing research into potential alternatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnosis of celiac disease should be conducted through serological tests to detect the presence of antibodies such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and autoantibodies to endomysium. A positive serological test suggests an immune reaction to gluten. Following these tests, an endoscopy and biopsy from the duodenal mucosa are usually performed to observe any inflammation or damage to the small intestine's lining, which would further confirm the diagnosis. It's important to note that a percentage of the population can test positive for these antibodies without displaying symptoms, which underscores the benefit of early detection and monitoring.
Celiac disease is primarily managed by adhering to a gluten-free diet. This dietary change can significantly improve symptoms and minimise the risk of associated complications. Ongoing research is looking into alternative treatment options such as developing gluten-free grains or supplements to help manage the condition.
Celiac disease involves an autoimmune response to ingested gluten, which leads to the damage of the small intestine's microvilli, causing diverse symptoms and severe health consequences if not managed appropriately. The variety of symptoms is largely due to the malabsorption issues caused by the loss of function of the damaged microvilli, which can lead to systemic effects across the body.