Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating foods with gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye - causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine. This damages the gut and makes it harder to absorb nutrients from food. It is not a food allergy or a fad diet - it is a serious, lifelong condition that requires a strict gluten-free diet to stay healthy.

Digestive symptoms (especially in children): Diarrhea, constipation, or oily stools; Bloating and gas; Stomach pain or cramping; Nausea or vomiting. Other symptoms (more common in adults): Fatigue; Iron-deficiency anemia; Weight loss or poor growth in children; Bone or joint pain; Headaches or brain fog; Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis); Infertility or menstrual irregularities; Depression or anxiety. Some people have no obvious symptoms.

Caused by a mix of genetics and environment. People with certain genes (HLA-DQ2 or DQ8) react to gluten - the immune system damages the villi, the tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients. Can be triggered at any age, often after stress, surgery, pregnancy, or infection.

Blood tests to check for specific antibodies (like tTG-IgA); Endoscopy and biopsy of the small intestine to look for damage. Important: do not stop eating gluten before testing, or results may not be accurate.

No cure, but treatment is simple: Strict, lifelong gluten-free diet (no wheat, barley, or rye). This allows the intestine to heal and symptoms to improve. Avoiding cross-contact is important. Some people may also need supplements for iron, calcium, vitamin D, or B12.

With a gluten-free diet, most people feel better within weeks to months. The intestinal lining usually heals over time. Without treatment, celiac can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of some cancers (e.g., intestinal lymphoma).

Affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide. Many remain undiagnosed. More common in people with other autoimmune diseases (like Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's) or family history.