We Know: All About Celiac Disease

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder in which an individual obtains a sensitivity to gluten, a product found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Gluten damages the villi which line the small intestine. This affects the way nutrients are absorbed, resulting in anemia and malnutrition. Poor nutrient absorption results in the formation of fatty, bulky, and foul-smelling stools.


Celiac Disease is also known as sprue, nontropical sprue, gluten sensitivity enteropathy, and gluten intolerance.

What is the prevalence of Celiac Disease?

The National Institutes of Health reports that 1 in 133 Americans have been diagnosed with the condition. It is believed that many more suffer from this disease than is reported or diagnosed. Celiac Disease primarily affects Caucasians and those of European descent, and it appears in women more than men. The condition can develop in both adults and children and its cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms associated with Celiac Disease include:

  • Pains in the abdominal area
  • Bloating, flatulence, indigestion
  • Constipation and diarrhea
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Foul-smelling, bloated stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis (a rash-like skin condition)
  • Osteoporosis and osteopenia
  • Failure to thrive and grow, in children
  • Erosion and discoloration of dental enamel
  • Anemia
  • Bone disease

Other symptoms include:

  • Malnutrition
  • Muscle cramps
  • Mental cloudiness
  • Neuropathy
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Heartburn
  • Behavior changes
  • Loss of hair
  • Shortness in stature
  • Type I diabetes

How is Celiac Disease diagnosed?

In order to diagnose Celiac Disease, physicians will order a complete blood count test to measure the degree of anemia, and consequently, malnutrition levels. Serology tests usually follow to confirm the level of damage to the small intestine and to detect the presence of IgA and IgG antibodies. These tests may include an endoscopy with small bowel biopsy, antiendomysial antibody, antitransglutaminase, or antigliabin tests. A biopsy may be performed as a final confirmation.

How is Celiac Disease treated?

Individuals diagnosed with Celiac Disease must go on a gluten-free diet for the rest of their lives. This allows the villi in the intestinal lining to heal. Vitamin supplements may be taken in addition to remedy mineral deficiencies.



Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © ineed2know.org

Sponsored by