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Celiac Disease

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Diseases Linked to Celiac Disease

People with Celiac (pronounced - SEL-ee-ak) disease tend to have other autoimmune diseases. The connection between celiac disease and these diseases may be genetic. These diseases include:

• Thyroid Disease - The thyroid is a gland in your neck, just below your voice box. It makes two hormones that help control how fast your body uses energy from food. If your thyroid does not make enough hormones, your body slows down. This condition is called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. When too much thyroid hormone is made, it is called overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight loss, chest pain, cramps, diarrhea, and nervousness.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Liver Disease - The liver is the largest organ in the body. The liver carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood. In the United States, chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death. While the cause is not always known, some cases can be initiated by conditions such as chronic alcoholism, obesity, and exposure to Hepatitis B and C viruses. Over the past few decades, the death rate for chronic liver disease has decreased, partly due to the availability of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C immunizations for children and adults. However, disparities continue to exist among minority populations. More about Liver Disease
• Collagen Vascular Disease - Collagen is a tough, glue-like protein that represents 30 percent of body protein. It shapes the structure of tendons, bones, and connective tissues. Problems with the immune system can affect these structures. This is known as collagen vascular disease. Collagen vascular diseases include: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It has several special features that make it different from other kinds of arthritis. For example, rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one also is. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis may have fatigue, occasional fevers, and a general sense of not feeling well. More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts between ages 25 and 55. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime.
• Sjogren's Syndrome

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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
NIH Publication No. 07-4269
August 2007
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.