Celiac disease is a disease in which the tiny villi of the small intestine are destroyed or left atrophied by the protein gluten, which is most commonly found in grains, particularly wheat, barley, and rye. This makes it so that the small intestine cannot absorb the required amount of nutrients from the food that passes through and the individual becomes malnourished. People with celiac disease can lead a very normal life as long as they do not ingest any gluten. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, decreased apatite, lactose intolerance, nausea and vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. As the disease goes untreated other symptoms can develop over time, including easy bruising, fatigue, depression, itchy skin, hair loss, muscle cramps, joint pain, nosebleeds, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, seizures, and cerebral calcifications.
So can a person who has celiac disease dive? Well, this is not a disease that can be cured. However, as long as the person does not eat anything containing gluten the villi in their small intestine will heal and the symptoms will disappear. While this disease may seem terrible, the nice thing is that the person with celiac disease has complete control over whether or not they are healthy. As long as they stick to the proper diet, known as a gluten-free diet, they can lead a normal and fulfilling life.
So when can celiac disease get in the way of diving? Many of the symptoms of celiac disease will make diving uncomfortable and or dangerous and as such, divers should avoid diving while symptoms are present. Abdominal pain and diarrhea experienced by celiac disease suffers is extremely uncomfortable and awkward during a dive while nausea may lead to vomiting which can cause serious risk to the diver if he or she vomits while submerged as the vomit might get into the regulator and eventually into the lungs. Any fatigue or depression may make it difficult for a diver to be alert and responsive while underwater and, as a result, may go too deep, stay under too long, lose track of where they are, or encounter danger in their environment that could have been avoided. Muscle cramps and joint pain may make it difficult for a diver to have the mobility needed to function well on a dive, as could numbness in the limbs. Perhaps the most dangerous of all is the possibility of seizures. Any seizure or loss of consciousness that occurs underwater will most likely result in death.
A person experiencing any of these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. As long as these symptoms are ongoing, the person should refrain from diving. Any individuals with celiac disease who wish to dive should be checked for cerebral abnormalities with cerebral imaging, blood testing, and EEG testing. If any of these problems exist, then diving should be avoided. Once a gluten-free diet is being adhered to and the diver has had time to heal enough so that the symptoms have disappeared, then diving can resume.
It is important to remember that many dive trips take place in remote areas of the world. In unfamiliar territory it may not be as easy to know what is in your food. When you are traveling, you should be well prepared in advance which means trying to find a hotel or other accommodations that offer gluten-free food choices and must research potential restaurants in advance. When you go on your dive trip, if the food provided on the boat is not suitable or the right food cannot be arranged, then you will need to pack your own food. This is important as the last thing you want on your dive vacation is to eat something with gluten in it, get sick, and miss your dives. As long as you are prepared, you should be fine.
Remember, celiac disease is one that is fully within your control. As long as you stick to a gluten-free diet, your symptoms will go away and stay away and you will be able to function normally. This means that as long as you have your condition managed properly, you will be able to dive knowing that your celiac disease is not putting you or anyone else at risk. You can enjoy your dive with confidence and have the time of your life.