Through periodic surveys, the celiac community can monitor physician performance. Medical schools, government agencies, and health care groups can use the survey results to influence the direction of education programs. Background Celiac disease slowly erodes the quality of life by stealing energy. Progressive malnutrition gradually weakens the immune system, diminishing the quality of life, and making its victims susceptible to chronic disease. Untreated CD is known to cause lymphoma, pancreatic disease, osteoporosis, short stature, anemia, and nervous system disorders.
Celiac children are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems.
Many have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. Untreated celiac women of childbearing age are more likely to suffer infertility, amenorrhea, and spontaneous abortions. Patients report digestive symptoms most frequently, often accompanied by fatigue, headaches, anemia, muscle weakness, depression or anxiety. Some patients report bacterial or viral infections that never seem to go away. The goal of this research is to determine if celiacs are being diagnosed within three months of onset of symptoms.