--- title: "Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | infoMD" description: "Celiac Disease causes chronic diarrhea or constipation. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage celiac disease with guidance from" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Celiac Disease", "alternateName": [ "Celiac Sprue", "Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy" ], "description": "Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye - triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's lining. This prevents proper nutrient absorption and can lead to a wide range of symptoms beyond the digestive system.", "associatedAnatomy": { "@type": "AnatomicalSystem", "name": "Immune System" }, "signOrSymptom": [ { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Chronic diarrhea or constipation" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Bloating and abdominal pain" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Unintended weight loss" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Iron-deficiency anemia" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Fatigue" } ], "possibleTreatment": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Strict lifelong gluten-free diet - avoid all wheat, barley, and rye products" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Learn to read food labels carefully for hidden gluten sources" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Avoid cross-contamination during food preparation" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Use dedicated gluten-free cookware and cutting boards at home" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Work with a registered dietitian experienced in celiac disease" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Join a celiac support group for practical tips and emotional support" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Vitamin and mineral supplements to correct deficiencies (iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12, folate, zinc)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Short-term corticosteroids for severe inflammation while the gut heals" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis (the celiac skin rash)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Bone-density medications if osteoporosis is present" } ], "riskFactor": [ { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "First-degree relative with celiac disease (1 in 10 risk)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Having HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Having another autoimmune condition (type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's, lupus)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Turner syndrome or Down syndrome" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Williams syndrome" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Selective IgA deficiency" } ], "typicalTest": "Physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes measurable intestinal damage when gluten is consumed. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) causes symptoms similar to celiac disease but without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage. Celiac disease is diagnosed with blood tests and biopsy, while NCGS is a diagnosis of exclusion after celiac disease and wheat allergy have been ruled out." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can celiac disease develop later in life?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. While celiac disease requires a genetic predisposition, it can be triggered at any age - even in people who have eaten gluten without problems for decades. Stressful events, pregnancy, surgery, infections, or other triggers may activate the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. It's important to consider celiac disease as a possibility regardless of age." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is a little bit of gluten okay with celiac disease?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage in people with celiac disease, even if they don't produce noticeable symptoms. Research suggests that as little as 10-50 milligrams of gluten per day (about 1/100th of a slice of bread) can cause damage. Strict avoidance is essential for intestinal healing and long-term health." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I always have celiac disease?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, celiac disease is a lifelong condition. There is no cure, and the gluten-free diet must be maintained for life. However, as long as you avoid gluten, the intestine heals and remains healthy, and you can live a completely normal, healthy life. Research into potential treatments, including pills that would allow occasional gluten exposure, is ongoing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can celiac disease cause cancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Untreated celiac disease is associated with a slightly increased risk of certain cancers, particularly intestinal lymphoma and small bowel adenocarcinoma. However, this risk decreases significantly - and may return to normal - with strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This is one of many important reasons to maintain the diet even if you feel well." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://infomd.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Conditions", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Immune System", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/body-system/immune-system" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Celiac Disease", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/celiac-disease" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![infoMD](/assets/infomd-logo-CtvTblFD.png)](/) [Home](/) [Conditions](/conditions) [Glossary](/glossary)[Shop](/shop) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Conditions](/conditions) 3. [Immune System](/conditions/body-system/immune-system) 4. Celiac Disease Immune System [Gut Health](/topics/gut-health)[Nutrition](/topics/nutrition)[Immune Health](/topics/immune-health) # Celiac Disease Also known as: Celiac Sprue, Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy infoMD Editorial Team February 18, 2025 8 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Fceliac-disease)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Fceliac-disease&text=Celiac%20Disease) ### Quick Facts Type Genetic Affects People of any age with genetic predisposition; first-degree relatives have a 1 in 10 risk Prevalence Affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide, with many cases undiagnosed Treatable Fully manageable with a strict lifelong gluten-free diet See a Specialist Gastroenterologist ICD-10 Code K90.0 ## Overview Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye - triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. The tiny, finger-like projections called villi that line the small intestine are destroyed, preventing proper absorption of nutrients from food. Celiac disease affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide, but experts estimate that 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. This is partly because the symptoms are highly variable - some people have classic digestive symptoms, while others experience anemia, bone loss, skin rash, neurological problems, or no obvious symptoms at all. The disease can develop at any age after gluten is introduced into the diet. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. When gluten is completely removed, the small intestine heals and symptoms resolve, usually within weeks to months. While maintaining a gluten-free diet requires vigilance and lifestyle adjustments, most people with celiac disease are able to enjoy a full, healthy life once diagnosed and treated. ## Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of celiac disease early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. ### Early Symptoms - Chronic diarrhea or loose stools - Bloating and excessive gas - Abdominal pain and cramping - Fatigue and low energy - Nausea and occasionally vomiting - Iron-deficiency anemia that doesn't respond to supplements ### Advanced Symptoms - Unintended weight loss and malnutrition - Dermatitis herpetiformis (intensely itchy blistering skin rash) - Bone loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) from calcium malabsorption - Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands and feet) - Tooth enamel defects - Joint pain - Depression and anxiety - Infertility or recurrent miscarriage When to See a Doctor See a doctor if you have persistent digestive problems lasting more than two weeks, unexplained anemia, sudden weight loss, or a blistering skin rash. If a close family member has celiac disease, get tested even if you have no symptoms, as the condition can cause silent damage. ## Causes & Risk Factors ### Common Causes - Autoimmune reaction triggered by gluten ingestion - Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes required) - Environmental trigger - introduction of gluten to the diet activates the disease in genetically susceptible individuals - Possible role of gut infections, gut microbiome changes, or infant feeding practices in triggering onset ### Risk Factors - First-degree relative with celiac disease (1 in 10 risk) - Having HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes - Having another autoimmune condition (type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's, lupus) - Turner syndrome or Down syndrome - Williams syndrome - Selective IgA deficiency ## How It's Diagnosed Celiac disease diagnosis begins with blood tests that detect specific antibodies: tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) is the primary screening test, with endomysial antibody (EMA) as a confirmatory test. Total IgA levels should also be measured, as IgA deficiency - which is more common in celiac disease - can cause false-negative results. It's essential that you continue eating gluten during the testing process, as a gluten-free diet can normalize results and lead to a missed diagnosis. If blood tests are positive, an upper endoscopy with small intestinal biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy looks for villous atrophy (flattening of the villi) and increased inflammatory cells in the intestinal lining. Genetic testing for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 can help rule out celiac disease - if these genes are absent, celiac disease is extremely unlikely. ## Treatment Options ### Lifestyle Changes - Strict lifelong gluten-free diet - avoid all wheat, barley, and rye products - Learn to read food labels carefully for hidden gluten sources - Avoid cross-contamination during food preparation - Use dedicated gluten-free cookware and cutting boards at home - Work with a registered dietitian experienced in celiac disease - Join a celiac support group for practical tips and emotional support ### Medications - Vitamin and mineral supplements to correct deficiencies (iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12, folate, zinc) - Short-term corticosteroids for severe inflammation while the gut heals - Dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis (the celiac skin rash) - Bone-density medications if osteoporosis is present ### Complementary Approaches - Probiotics to support gut healing and microbiome restoration - Digestive enzyme supplements (note: these cannot replace a gluten-free diet) - Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and ginger - Stress management to support immune function ## Living With Celiac Disease Living with celiac disease centers on maintaining a strict gluten-free diet, which becomes second nature over time. Initial adjustment can be challenging - learning which foods are safe, reading every label, and navigating social situations like restaurants and dinner parties all require practice. The good news is that gluten-free options are more widely available than ever, and many naturally delicious foods - fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, rice, potatoes, and corn - are naturally gluten-free. Regular follow-up with your gastroenterologist is important to monitor healing and check for nutritional deficiencies. Most people feel dramatically better within weeks of eliminating gluten, and the intestinal lining typically heals within 6-24 months. Children tend to heal faster than adults. Joining a celiac disease support group and connecting with others who share the condition can provide invaluable practical advice and emotional encouragement. ## Potential Complications - Malnutrition from impaired nutrient absorption - Osteoporosis from calcium and vitamin D malabsorption - Iron-deficiency anemia - Lactose intolerance (often resolves as the intestine heals) - Increased risk of intestinal lymphoma and small bowel cancer (reduced with gluten-free diet) - Infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes - Neurological conditions including peripheral neuropathy and ataxia - Other autoimmune diseases ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance? ### Can celiac disease develop later in life? ### Is a little bit of gluten okay with celiac disease? ### Will I always have celiac disease? ### Can celiac disease cause cancer? * * * ## Sources 1. Celiac Disease. Mayo Clinic . 2. Celiac Disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . 3. What Is Celiac Disease?. Celiac Disease Foundation . 4. Celiac Disease. Cleveland Clinic . Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reviewed By infoMD Editorial Team Last reviewed: March 22, 2025 In This Article [Overview](#overview)[Symptoms](#symptoms)[Causes & Risk Factors](#causes-risk-factors)[How It's Diagnosed](#how-it-s-diagnosed)[Treatment Options](#treatment-options)[Living With Celiac Disease](#living-with-celiac-disease)[Potential Complications](#potential-complications)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Sources](#sources) ### Quick Facts Type Genetic Affects People of any age with genetic predisposition; first-degree relatives have a 1 in 10 risk Prevalence Affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide, with many cases undiagnosed Treatable Fully manageable with a strict lifelong gluten-free diet See a Specialist Gastroenterologist ICD-10 Code K90.0 Advertisement Was this page helpful? 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