Celiac Disease

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a long-term condition that affects your small intestine. Your immune system reacts to the protein gluten in food and damages your small intestine. You may not be able to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from the foods you eat.

What increases my risk of celiac disease?

The cause of celiac disease is not known. You are at higher risk if you have another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or a family member with celiac disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of celiac disease?

The most common symptom of celiac disease is diarrhea that may smell bad or look oily. You may also have the following:

• Stomach pain, bloating, gas, and weight loss.
• Weakness, low energy, and loss of appetite.
• Bone pain or osteoporosis (bone loss).
• Missed monthly periods or difficulty getting pregnant.
• Numbness or tingling in your legs and muscle cramps.
• Mouth sores or a skin rash that itches.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

• Blood tests: Blood tests are used to check for antibodies to gluten. They may also be used to check for anemia and other deficiencies caused by celiac disease.
• Stool sample: A sample of your bowel movement is tested to see if you are absorbing nutrients from your diet. For this test, you will need to eat a high-fat diet for one day. Then you will need to collect your bowel movements for two days. The samples will be sent to a lab.
• Barium X-rays: Small bowel barium X-rays are pictures of your abdomen. You will need to swallow a thick liquid called barium. Barium helps the intestines show up better on the X-ray.
• Endoscopic tissue biopsy: An endoscopic tissue biopsy is a procedure to look at the inside of your small intestine. An endoscope is a bendable tube with a light and camera on the end. Healthcare providers may remove a small amount of tissue for a biopsy.

How is celiac disease treated?

Since there is no cure for celiac disease, the goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms. It may take up to six months or longer for your intestines to function better. You may need medicine such as steroids to suppress your immune system and decrease inflammation.

How do I manage celiac disease and what should I ask my provider?

• Do not eat food that contains gluten. This is the most important way to manage your symptoms. Do not eat anything made with wheat, rye, barley, or oats. Gluten is found in additives in many packaged and restaurant foods. Read food labels or ask before you order food. A dietitian can help you plan meals that do not contain gluten.
• Ask about supplements. You may need to take supplements that contain iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, or vitamin D. These may be given as a pill or through an IV.

When should I seek immediate care or call 911?

• You have a fever.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have blood in your bowel movement.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• You have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.