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Celiac Disease

  • Key Points
  • Overview
  • Causes
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Prevention
  • Next Steps

Key Points

  • Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to react badly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.
  • It can cause digestive problems, fatigue, skin rashes and damage to the small intestine.
  • Celiac disease is diagnosed through blood tests and a small intestine biopsy.
  • The main treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.
  • Avoiding gluten completely helps most people feel better and prevents further damage.

Overview

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. It happens when people who are genetically predisposed eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. In response, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to poor nutrient absorption and a wide range of symptoms.

This condition can develop at any age and affects people of all backgrounds. Without treatment, celiac disease can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, infertility, osteoporosis and even some types of cancer.

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Causes

What Causes Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten. For people with the disease, eating even small amounts of gluten triggers the immune system to damage the villi — tiny finger-like structures in the small intestine that help absorb nutrients.

Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop celiac disease, but several factors can play a role:

  • Family history: Having a close relative with celiac increases your risk.
  • Other autoimmune diseases: Such as Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease.
  • Infections: Certain viral infections in childhood may be linked.
  • Genes: Specific gene markers (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8) are commonly found in people with celiac.

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Signs and Symptoms

Celiac disease can look very different from person to person. Some people have digestive symptoms, while others may have symptoms unrelated to the gut.

Common Digestive Symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weight loss

Non-Digestive Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Infertility or delayed growth in children

Some people may not feel sick at all, even though damage is happening inside.

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Diagnosis

How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed

If a health care provider suspects celiac disease, they may order:

  • Blood tests: To check for specific antibodies (like tTG-IgA).
  • Genetic tests: To look for genes linked to the condition.
  • Endoscopy with biopsy: A camera examines the small intestine and takes a sample to look for damage.

It’s important to keep eating gluten before testing, or the results may not be accurate.

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Treatments

Treatment Options for Celiac Disease

There is currently no cure for celiac disease, but it can be managed effectively.

The Main Treatment: A Gluten-Free Diet

Avoiding gluten completely helps the small intestine heal and prevents further complications. That means no foods made with:

  • Wheat (including spelt, farro and durum)
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Some oats (unless labeled gluten-free)

Safe foods include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Rice, quinoa and potatoes
  • Meat, poultry and fish (unprocessed)
  • Gluten-free breads, cereals and baked goods

Other Steps

  • Take supplements if you’re low in iron, calcium or vitamins.
  • Work with a registered dietitian to plan balanced meals.
  • Check all food labels for hidden gluten (like sauces, soups and snacks).
  • Ask about gluten-free medications or personal care items if needed.

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Prevention

How to Prevent Symptoms of Celiac Disease:

Because celiac disease is inherited, it cannot be prevented, but you can avoid symptoms and complications by:

  • Following a 100% gluten-free diet
  • Getting diagnosed early if you’re at risk
  • Not starting a gluten-free diet before testing
  • Joining support groups or celiac associations for resources

With proper care and strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle, most people with celiac disease live healthy, active lives.

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Next Steps

If you have symptoms of celiac disease or a family history of it, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term problems and improve your overall health.

At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.

If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.

MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is not available. Open 9am-9pm, Mon-Sun.

If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368

 

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