What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This damage interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Celiac disease affects about 1% of the population and can develop at any age.

It is important to note that celiac disease is different from gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. A proper diagnosis is essential before making dietary changes, because starting a gluten-free diet before testing can make diagnosis much more difficult.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely and may include:

• Diarrhea, constipation, or both
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Anemia (iron deficiency)
• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Joint pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests for specific antibodies, followed by an upper endoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to continue eating gluten before and during testing — removing gluten from your diet before testing can lead to false-negative results.

Treatment

The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. Our team provides guidance on dietary management and monitors your recovery through follow-up visits and lab work.