Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. For people with celiac disease, eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.

If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to a range of serious health problems.

Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

Research has shown that people with untreated celiac disease have an increased risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and small bowel cancer.

One study found that people with celiac disease were more than twice as likely to develop lymphoma than people without the disease. The longer celiac disease goes untreated, the higher the risk of developing these cancers.

Nutritional Deficiencies

When the lining of the small intestine is damaged by celiac disease, the body is unable to absorb nutrients from food properly. This can lead to a range of nutritional deficiencies, including iron, calcium, and vitamin D deficiencies.

Over time, these deficiencies can cause serious health problems, including anemia, osteoporosis, and depression.

Increased Risk of Infections

When the lining of the small intestine is damaged by celiac disease, it can become more susceptible to infections.

This is because the lining of the small intestine acts as a barrier that helps to prevent harmful bacteria and other pathogens from entering the bloodstream. When the barrier is compromised, harmful bacteria and other pathogens can enter the bloodstream more easily, increasing the risk of infections.

Reduced Fertility

Untreated celiac disease can also lead to reduced fertility in both men and women. This is because the immune response triggered by gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and hormonal imbalances.

Women with untreated celiac disease may experience irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty getting pregnant, while men with the disease may experience reduced sperm count and motility.

Neurological Problems

Research has shown that people with untreated celiac disease are at increased risk of developing neurological problems, including seizures, migraines, and peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves that control the muscles and sensations in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include numbness, tingling, and pain.

Increased Risk of Autoimmune Disorders

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body.

People with celiac disease are also at increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Depression and Anxiety

Untreated celiac disease is also associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety.

This may be due in part to the nutritional deficiencies that can occur when the lining of the small intestine is damaged, as well as the stress caused by living with a chronic condition.

Infertility and Pregnancy Complications

Women with untreated celiac disease may also experience a range of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

This is because celiac disease can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, which can affect fetal growth and development. Women with celiac disease who become pregnant should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that they receive appropriate treatment and care.

Conclusion

Untreated celiac disease can lead to a range of serious health problems, including an increased risk of certain cancers, nutritional deficiencies, increased risk of infections, reduced fertility, neurological problems, an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, depression and anxiety, and infertility and pregnancy complications. People with celiac disease should work closely with a medical professional to manage their condition and avoid these potential risks.