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More people getting diagnosed with celiac disease

Category: Celiac Disease Testing

Thanks to doctors embracing a blood test, more people are being diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease and getting the opportunity to change their life.

People who suffer from celiac disease have an adverse reaction to wheat and wheat-based products, which can be found in a number of foods including French fries and oatmeal.

Liz Sloan of Sloan Trends and Solutions consulting firm told the Seattle Times she sees sales of gluten-free products increase its 2005 figure of $396 million to an estimated $1.7 billion in 2010.

Part of the surge in interest may be because more people are getting a blood test to see if they have the disease. If left untreated, people with celiac disease can experience permanent intestinal damage and severe malnutrition.

Jean Powell, who is 73 years old, was diagnosed with celiac only after severe malnutrition took away her feeling in her limbs, the Times reported. Initially, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

"The older guys are stubborn," Powell said in reference to the blood test for the disease. "I know a number of people whose doctors tell them they have irritable bowel syndrome."

Those who opt for celiac disease testing can avoid such serious conditions through early detection with lab tests.