Celiac Crisis: A Serious Complication of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten Intolerance (Celiac disease) per se is not that difficult to deal with as some would often say. Just comply with the gluten-free diet and that's it! You can live a normal life doing normal stuffs without you experiencing the symptoms. However, celiac crisis happens when there is poor compliance to the diet regimen intended for gluten intolerance.

Celiac crisis is a very rare complication associated with gluten intolerance. It is generally characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting which causes severe dehydration. Certain metabolic and electrolyte disturbances are also associated with gluten intolerance such as hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypoproteinemia,

Celiac crisis can be life threatening to both children and adults. Mortality wise, children are most at risk because their system is not yet well developed to cope up unlike adults.

Symptoms would include dry mouth, lethargy, few or no tears when crying, muscle weakness, headache, dizziness, sunken eyes, shriveled and dry skin, sunken fontanels in babies, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, delirium and unconsciousness.

Persons with the disease suffer from malabsorption from the very start. This causes their system to weaken causing harm to the entire body system. Celiac disease imposes great risk when it goes hand in hand with severe dehydration. Want to know what is the management for severe dehydration related to gluten intolerance? Here are some great hints to manage celiac crisis.

Increase your oral fluid intake. This will help replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost from the body. People with gluten intolerance must also have high intakes of fruits and vegetables. Not only is this one great source of gluten-free diet but it also has high water content. In cases where children are dehydrated, intravenous fluids are started plus fluids are given by mouth. Consuming clear fluids is also necessary such as clear broths, frozen water or ice pops and sports drinks such as Gatorade. Drinks with caffeine must be avoided such as coffee, tea and sodas. Some medications are also given such as anti-emetics, anti-diarrhea and anti-fever. These medications provide relief from vomiting and diarrhea.