Final answer:
Celiac disease is diagnosed through serological tests for antibodies and confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy. Early detection is essential to manage the condition and prevent severe complications. The main treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, with some cases requiring additional medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
The diagnosis of celiac disease typically involves serological tests that look for IgA antibodies to components of gluten, the transglutaminase enzyme, and autoantibodies to endomysium. If these tests are positive, a follow-up with an endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenal mucosa is performed. Although roughly 1% of individuals in the United Kingdom test positive through screening, not all exhibit symptoms. Early detection is crucial for monitoring and preventing severe disease.
People afflicted with celiac disease experience an immune response to gluten, damaging the small intestine's microvilli and hindering nutrient absorption, leading to various symptoms like diarrhea, anemia, and abdominal pain. Without proper treatment, there could be severe long-term effects, such as osteoporosis, neurological issues, and certain cancers. A strict gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for managing celiac disease, with some cases requiring medication to reduce inflammation.