According to the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), celiac disease (CD) should be considered in any patient with iron deficiency anemia. AGA describes celiac disease as a permanent intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. CD is characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that testinve the small intestine is distinguished by its age and ability to absorb nutrients; including iron, critical to health.
For more than a year I could not go a day, or even an hour, without breaking the ice. He often wore a coat in the house, stood by the heater, and drank one cup after another. Sometimes I sat in the steamy water bath and was moved. My husband joked that I had a bag habit today, but the truth was no joke. I experienced frequent pains, jaw pain, tooth loss, unnecessary medical treatments. What I didn’t know at the time is that doctors have a term for blood ice “papohagia”. It is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia.
In addition, I have experienced a host of similar symptoms, such as leg cramps, foot pain, bloating and gas, mouth ulcers, fatigue, aching joints. This went on for years. I remember several visits to doctors who arrogantly said, “There’s nothing wrong with you.” I wondered if I was a hypochondriac, even if I was in pain most of the time;
In addition, the medical evaluation seemed to be in vain until one o’clock in the afternoon, when I received a phone call from my sister. He said he had been diagnosed with a hereditary condition called CD, a unknown. I have never heard of it, but I couldn’t learn more. The first place I brought up on the internet I listed my personal information.
I was referred to a gastroenterologist and underwent diagnostic testing, including blood screening for antigliadin (AGA) and endomysial antibodies (EmA) , and biopsies taken from several sites in the small intestine. Blood tests and intestinal biopsies are standard for formal diagnosis. Within a few weeks I was finally looking for answers. I also have a CD. Not only that, but my blood was also confirmed to be anemic. I started an appetite-free diet and iron supplementation. Within weeks, all my symptoms subsided, including the desire for ice.
I no longer need iron supplements, but I have to stick to a gluten-free diet for the rest of my life. It can be difficult, especially when I eat or real favorite food. I can’t complain, though. It is a small price to pay for renewed health. It’s amazing that the ice is free. I much prefer cup of tea.
Want to know more?
http://www.celiacdisease.net
Technical information for this article can be found at http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/PHS001650850602 2268/fulltext
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chewing-ice/AN012 78
http://www.celiacdisease.net
