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Celiac Disease
Moderate
Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated disorder in which gluten exposure damages the small intestine and can impair nutrient absorption. Symptoms vary and may include digestive problems, fatigue, or nutritional deficiencies; some people have few obvious symptoms. Celiac disease is distinct from wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Celiac disease usually does not require emergency care. Seek prompt assessment for persistent diarrhea, significant weight loss, severe weakness, dehydration, anemia, or worsening symptoms. Emergency evaluation is needed for severe dehydration, fainting, significant bleeding, or another acute complication.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated disorder in which gluten exposure damages the small intestine and can impair nutrient absorption. Symptoms vary and may include digestive problems, fatigue, or nutritional deficiencies; some people have few obvious symptoms. Celiac disease is distinct from wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Symptoms 3
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight Loss
Causes 2
Gluten in wheat, barley, and rye triggers an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible people. Susceptibility commonly involves HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, but having these variants does not mean celiac disease will develop. Other factors influencing disease onset remain under investigation.
Autoimmune Disorder
Genetics
Risk Factors
Celiac disease is more likely in people with an affected close relative. It is also associated with conditions including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Down syndrome, and Turner syndrome. These associations do not mean that the other condition directly causes celiac disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Evaluation generally includes celiac-related antibody blood tests and, when appropriate, upper endoscopy with small-intestinal biopsy. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history. Removing gluten before testing can affect results, so dietary changes should first be discussed with a healthcare professional. Genetic testing may help assess whether celiac disease is unlikely, but susceptibility genes alone do not confirm it.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Preventing further intestinal injury after diagnosis is different from preventing celiac disease from developing
For people with diagnosed celiac disease, gluten avoidance under medical and dietary guidance helps protect the intestine
Follow-up can identify nutritional deficiencies and complications
Prevention Guidance
Preventing further intestinal injury after diagnosis is different from preventing celiac disease from developing. For people with diagnosed celiac disease, gluten avoidance under medical and dietary guidance helps protect the intestine. Follow-up can identify nutritional deficiencies and complications.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Rice
Naturally gluten free.
Corn
Safe gluten-free grain.
Fresh Fruits
Provide vitamins and minerals.
Vegetables
Support digestive health.
Foods to Avoid
Wheat
Contains gluten.
Barley
Contains gluten.
Rye
Contains gluten.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
Wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten.
Diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss may occur.
Blood tests and intestinal biopsy are commonly used.
A strict lifelong gluten-free diet is required.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.