Understanding Celiac Disease: What You Need to Know

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine. Over time, this damages the lining of the intestine and makes it harder to absorb nutrients from food.

Common Symptoms

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

Digestive symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Bloating and gas

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

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Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Anemia (low blood count)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

• Bone or joint pain

• Mouth ulcers

  
  

Some people have no obvious symptoms, but still develop intestinal damage if they continue to eat gluten.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose celiac disease through:

1. Blood tests – looking for specific antibodies linked to gluten sensitivity.

2. Endoscopy with biopsy – a small tissue sample is taken from the intestine to check for damage.

Important: Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing, as it may affect the results.

Treatment

Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods and drinks containing wheat, rye, and barley. Many safe alternatives exist, including rice, corn, quinoa, and gluten-free flours.

With time, the intestinal lining usually heals, symptoms improve, and the risk of complications goes down.

Living with Celiac Disease

Managing celiac disease takes adjustment, but with planning and support, people can live full and healthy lives. Key tips include:

• Reading labels carefully (gluten can hide in sauces, dressings, and even medications).

• Communicating dietary needs at restaurants and social events.

• Working with a dietitian experienced in celiac disease.

• Getting regular checkups to monitor nutrition and bone health.

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When to See a Doctor

If you have unexplained digestive problems, fatigue, anemia, or a family history of celiac disease, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term complications, such as osteoporosis, infertility, or intestinal cancer.

✅ Takeaway: Celiac disease is more than just a “gluten allergy”—it’s an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong care. With proper diagnosis and a gluten-free diet, most people recover well and regain their quality of life.