Is MC hereditary?

[nancyl]

This question has probably been answered, but when I did a search I didn't come up with much. I am wondering because my cousin (early 20's) is suffering from the same symtoms I had. She is going to a doctor at MGH in Boston and he is running lots of tests. He has her on a GF diet for six weeks to see what happens. She is also cutting back on dairy and noticed that soy bothers her. She will most likely have a colonoscopy. Also, my grandson (age 27) is also suffering from some of the same symtoms.

Just curious.

Nancy

[tex]

Well, the genes that predispose to it are certainly hereditary, but certain environmental conditions are necessary to actually trigger the disease.

Tex

[nancyl]

thank you Tex.

[Zizzle]

In addition to the genes, I think moms may pass on their altered GI flora at birth to their babies. Also, some families may have a shared trigger like food poisoning, GI or other infections, and similar environmental exposures, both toxins and diet choices.

[Sheila]

Nancy, my mother had MC. She was diagnosed about 10 years +- ago. I found this board on line when Ms. Malinowski was in charge. It helped us tremendously when my mother went to her doctor and asked for biopsies during her colonoscopy. She had Entero lab testing and was very definitely gluten intolerant.

Since then I developed MC after a bout with antibiotics and discovered that I have the celiac genes which I undoubtedly inherited from my mother. I can see signs in my youngest son of ever worsening colitis symptoms and my oldest son has persistent digestion problems. They don't want to hear about giving up gluten.

There is an area in southwestern Ireland where the prevalence of celiac is much higher than normal. This area of Ireland is where my mother's ancestors came from. So, IMO, MC and gluten intolerance can be an inherited disposition and celiac is inherited genetically. My doctor told me that both of my sons have inherited my genes and will be at risk of developing celiac disease.

Sheila W