About Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease (CeD)is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten causes damage in the small intestine called villous atrophy. Villi are microscopic, finger-like tentacles that line the wall of the small intestine. In people with Celiac Disease, eating gluten causes an autoimmune reaction which erodes away the villi leaving a flat surface. Over time, this reaction damages the small intestine’s lining and prevents the absorption of some nutrients. This damage to the intestine often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and anemia, and can lead to serious complications. Symptoms of Celiac Disease can be different in children and adults and vary from person to person. The most common signs and symptoms for adults are diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Adults may also experience bloating and gas, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and vomiting. Other symptoms may include:

Anemia or unexplained iron-deficiency
Headaches, seizures, or migraines
Fatigue
Bone, joint pain, or arthritis
Damage to dental enamel
Mouth ulcers
Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or softening of the bone (osteomalacia)
Depression or anxiety
Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet
Itchy, blistery skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

A biopsy of the small intestine is the only way to diagnose Celiac Disease. Before a biopsy is performed, doctors will do blood tests to test for specific antibodies in the blood. Elevated levels of certain antibody proteins indicate an immune reaction to gluten. If these tests are positive, your doctor may order an endoscopy to view your small intestine and to take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to analyze for damage to the villi.

How Is Celiac Disease Treated?

Celiac Disease is a chronic autoimmune disease. Chronic means that it is long-lasting or persistent. Currently, there is no cure for Celiac Disease.Following a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only way to manage Celiac Disease. A gluten-free diet helps heal damage to the small intestine, causing symptoms to resolve. Following a gluten-free diet also helps prevent future complications.

In addition to wheat, foods that contain gluten include:

Can Celiac Disease Be Cured?

There is no cure for Celiac Disease.

Celiac Disease is a chronic autoimmune disease.

Following a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only way to manage Celiac Disease. A gluten-free diet helps heal damage to the small intestine, causing symptoms to resolve. Following a gluten-free diet also helps prevent future complications.