Silent Coeliac - Is it really a thing?
Introduction
I've noticed something interesting popping up on social media lately: more and more people are talking about something called "Silent Celiac." Some claim to have this condition, while others seem to have never heard of it, questioning whether it's even real. If you've come across these discussions and wondered what it's all about, you're not alone! Let’s dive into the facts about Silent Celiac, clear up any confusion, and see if it’s really a thing.
What is Silent Celiac?
First things first—what exactly is Silent Celiac disease? In simple terms, Silent Celiac disease is a form of Celiac disease where the person has the typical intestinal damage and positive blood tests but doesn’t experience the classic symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhoea, or bloating. It’s like your body is reacting to gluten and causing harm, but you’re not feeling the pain or discomfort that’s usually associated with it.
How is this possible?
The immune system in people with Celiac disease attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed. This damage can occur even if you don't feel any immediate effects. Some people might have other symptoms that are more subtle, like fatigue, anaemia, or even mood changes, but they don’t realise these could be related to Celiac disease.
The Reality of Silent Celiac
Yes, Silent Celiac disease is real, and it’s recognised by medical professionals. It’s sometimes called "asymptomatic Celiac disease" because "silent" doesn’t mean the disease isn’t active; it’s just that the person isn’t experiencing the obvious symptoms we usually associate with the condition.
Why is it important?
Even without symptoms, Silent Celiac disease can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. The ongoing damage to the small intestine can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to conditions like osteoporosis, infertility, or other autoimmune disorders. That’s why diagnosing and treating Silent Celiac is just as important as managing the more symptomatic form of the disease.
Diagnosing Silent Celiac
How do you diagnose something you can’t feel?
Silent Celiac is often discovered through screening. For instance, if you have a family member with Celiac disease, you might be tested even if you feel fine. Similarly, if you have conditions associated with Celiac disease, like Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease, your doctor might suggest getting tested.
The diagnosis typically involves:
Blood Tests: Looking for antibodies like tTG-IgA.
Biopsy: Confirming intestinal damage through a small intestine biopsy.
In some cases, genetic testing might also be used to assess the likelihood of having Celiac disease.
Living with Silent Celiac
If you’re diagnosed with Silent Celiac, the treatment is the same as for any other form of Celiac disease—a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This might seem surprising, especially if you’re not feeling unwell, but the gluten-free diet is crucial in preventing further damage and avoiding long-term complications.
The good news?
Many people with Silent Celiac find that once they start a gluten-free diet, they notice subtle improvements in their overall well-being. You might suddenly realise that you’re not as tired as you used to be, or that those random aches and pains have disappeared. Your body was quietly suffering, and now it’s on the road to recovery!
The Takeaway
Silent Celiac disease is definitely "a thing," and it's an important one to understand. Even without obvious symptoms, the condition can lead to serious health issues if not properly managed. If you have a family history of Celiac disease, or if you have related health conditions, it’s worth discussing screening with your doctor—even if you feel perfectly fine.
Knowledge is power, and understanding Silent Celiac can help you take control of your health. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. Y
If you have more questions or topics you'd like me to cover, please let me know in the comments or message me. Your feedback is invaluable in making this newsletter helpful and relevant to you.
Warm regards,
The Celiac Scientist
Great information - thanks for sharing, Roy! I have a family member who was recently diagnosed with celiac despite not having the “classic” symptoms and putting up with things like fatigue and brain fog for years.
This is great!!