Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. It occurs in people who are genetically predisposed to it and is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the villi, the small fingerlike projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, and can cause a wide range of symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. In some people, celiac disease has no symptoms at all, but it can still cause damage to the intestine over time. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.

Celiac Disease symptoms

Celiac disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia (a deficiency of iron)
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Missed menstrual periods
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Infertility and recurrent miscarriages
  • Failure to thrive in children

It is important to note that some people with celiac disease may have no symptoms at all but can still experience damage to the small intestine over time if they continue to consume gluten.

It's also important to note that celiac disease can be mistaken with other illnesses, as the symptoms are very similar to other autoimmune diseases or gastrointestinal disorders. If you suspect you might have celiac disease, it's important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Celiac Disease diagnosis

The diagnosis of celiac disease typically begins with a screening blood test that measures levels of certain antibodies in the blood. If the results of this test suggest celiac disease, a referral will be made to a specialist (such as a gastroenterologist) for a definitive diagnosis.

The specialist will then perform an endoscopy, a procedure in which a small camera is inserted down the throat into the stomach and small intestine, to take small biopsy samples of the small intestine. The samples are examined under a microscope to see if there is damage to the villi, which is a characteristic of celiac disease.

In some cases, Genetic testing can also be performed to confirm the diagnosis, which will look for the presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, the genes that are strongly associated with celiac disease.

It is important to note that a gluten-free diet should not be started before the proper diagnosis, as it can affect the accuracy of the testing.

In some cases, there may be other conditions with similar symptoms and testing negative for celiac disease, so doctors might consider other autoimmune diseases or gastrointestinal disorder.

Celiac Disease test

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose celiac disease. The most common tests include:

  1. Blood tests: These tests measure the levels of certain antibodies in the blood. The most commonly used blood tests include anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and anti-endomysial (EmA) antibodies. If these tests are positive, it is strongly indicative of celiac disease, but a biopsy is needed for the definitive diagnosis.
  2. Genetic testing: This test looks for the presence of certain genetic markers associated with celiac disease. Two human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, are present in the majority of people with celiac disease.
  3. Intestinal biopsy: The gold standard for diagnosis is to take small samples of the small intestine and examine them under a microscope for damage to the villi. It is performed by an endoscopy, a procedure in which a small camera is inserted down the throat into the stomach and small intestine, to take small samples of the small intestine.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which test(s) are appropriate for you, as some tests may not be appropriate for certain people or in certain situations. A positive result from these tests will lead to a referral to a specialist, which is usually a gastroenterologist, who will confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy.

Celiac Disease treatment

The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means eliminating all foods that contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Adhering to a gluten-free diet can help to alleviate symptoms, stop the progression of the disease, and improve the overall health of the individual.

It is important to consult with a dietitian or a nutritionist who specializes in gluten-free diets, as they can help to ensure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients while avoiding gluten. They will also help in learning to read labels, find alternatives foods, and manage diet in social events.

While a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, it can be challenging to follow at first. It can take time to learn which foods are safe to eat and to find replacements for foods that contain gluten. Sticking to a gluten-free diet can improve symptoms and prevent complications.

It's important to note that even small amounts of gluten can cause damage to the small intestine, so it's essential to maintain a strict gluten-free diet for life.

If there are specific symptoms that are not resolved with a gluten-free diet or if there is severe malabsorption or other complications, medication may be recommended or other underlying conditions or complications identified.

Celiac Disease diet

Celiac disease is a medical condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means eliminating all sources of gluten from the diet and avoiding cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods.

A gluten-free diet should include a variety of naturally gluten-free foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and dairy products, as well as alternative grains like rice, quinoa, and amaranth. Gluten-free substitutes for bread, pasta, and other baked goods are also available and made from alternative flours like rice, almond, and coconut flour.

It is also important for people with celiac disease to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid processed foods that may contain gluten as a hidden ingredient. Some examples of these products include soy sauce, malt vinegar, and certain types of candy and sweets.

It is also important to be aware that gluten-free labeled products may not be appropriate for Celiac sufferers, As it not always mean they are made in a gluten-free facility and could be at risk of cross-contamination.

It is highly recommended to consult with a dietitian or doctor specialized in celiac disease management to ensure that a safe and nutritious diet can be followed.

What causes Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, damaging the villi (tiny, finger-like projections that line the intestine and help to absorb nutrients). This damage to the villi can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a wide range of symptoms.

The exact cause of celiac disease is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The majority of people with celiac disease have a genetic marker known as HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, which are present in approximately 40-50% of the general population.

However, not all people who have these markers will develop celiac disease, and not all people with celiac disease have these markers. Researchers believe that other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may also play a role in the development of the condition.

It's also important to note that Celiac disease is different than gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. While the symptoms can be similar, they are caused by different mechanisms.

What are the early warning signs of Celiac Disease?

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience a wide range of symptoms.

The common early warning signs of celiac disease include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Constipation
  • Anemia
  • Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Mouth sores

However, it is also possible to have non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

  • Depression or anxiety
  • Joint pain
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Tingling numbness in the hands and feet
  • Dental enamel defects
  • Headaches

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to see a healthcare provider to rule out other possibilities and properly diagnose the condition.

Also, a blood test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Celiac Disease, as many of the symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by other factors. Your healthcare provider will help you to understand what test you need and help you to properly diagnose your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease in adults?

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some adults with celiac disease may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Anemia
  • Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Mouth sores
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Tingling numbness in the hands and feet
  • Dental enamel defects
  • Infertility
  • Headaches

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to see a healthcare provider to rule out other possibilities and properly diagnose the condition.

Also, a blood test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Celiac Disease, as many of the symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by other factors. Your healthcare provider will help you to understand what test you need and help you to properly diagnose your symptoms. It is also possible that adults could have silent celiac disease, where the symptoms are minimal or non-existent, but still suffer from the damage to their gut, leading to long term health complications.

How to test for Celiac Disease?

A blood test is the most common way to test for celiac disease. The blood test looks for antibodies that are present in the blood of people with celiac disease.

The most common blood tests used to diagnose celiac disease are:

  • Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (TTG-IgA) test: This test is highly sensitive and specific for celiac disease. It detects antibodies that attack a specific enzyme (tissue transglutaminase) that is found in the gut.
  • Endomysial antibodies (EMA-IgA) test: This test also detects antibodies that attack a specific protein (endomysium) that surrounds muscle fibers in the body.
  • Deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP-IgA/IgG) test: This test also looks for antibodies against gliadin, but the test has been modified to detect certain specific antibodies that are more specific for celiac disease.

It's important to note that before undergoing these blood tests, one should not be on a gluten-free diet, as it could affect the results of the test.

If the blood test results are positive for celiac disease, a small intestine biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy is done by passing a thin tube through the mouth and into the small intestine to take a small sample of tissue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope for damage to the villi, which is a definitive sign of celiac disease.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you are at risk for celiac disease and what type of test is appropriate for you based on your health history, symptoms, and family history.

Is Celiac Disease genetic?

Celiac disease is believed to be a genetic disorder. Many people with celiac disease have a genetic marker known as HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, which are present in 40-50% of the general population. Having these markers increases the risk of developing celiac disease, but it does not guarantee that a person will develop the condition.

However, having the genetic marker is not enough to cause celiac disease, other factors are also involved. Studies have shown that genetics only account for about 30-40% of the risk of developing celiac disease. Other factors, such as environmental and lifestyle factors, may play a role in the development of the condition.

The risk of developing celiac disease is higher in people with a first-degree relative (parent, child, or sibling) with the condition, and children of people with celiac disease have a 1 in 10 chance of developing the disease.

It is also important to note that certain genetic variations that are not in HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes are also linked to celiac disease and may account for people who are positive for celiac disease but do not have either of those genetic markers.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you are at risk for celiac disease and if a genetic test for the condition is appropriate for you based on your health history, symptoms, and family history.

Is celiac an autoimmune disease?

Yes, celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. In people with celiac disease, the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When gluten is ingested, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing damage to the villi (tiny, finger-like projections that line the intestine and help absorb nutrients). This damage to the villi can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, nutrient deficiencies and a wide range of symptoms.

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. In celiac disease, the immune system attacks the cells of the small intestine in response to gluten exposure. The exact cause of the autoimmune response is not known, but genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors are believed to play a role in the development of the disorder.

It's important to note that celiac disease is different than gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. While the symptoms can be similar, they are caused by different mechanisms. For example, gluten intolerance or sensitivity is not an autoimmune disorder, it's a non-immune response to gluten.

How many people have Celiac Disease's?

The exact number of people with celiac disease is not known, but it is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. The prevalence of celiac disease is increasing, and it's estimated that approximately 2.5 million Americans have the disease, but the majority are undiagnosed.

There are many possible reasons for the increase in the rate of celiac disease, such as an increase in gluten exposure, improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness about the condition.

It's important to note that the prevalence of celiac disease may vary by geographic location and population studied. Studies have found that the prevalence of celiac disease is higher in certain populations such as those of European descent, and in people with certain autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 Diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease.

It's also important to mention that there are some people that have gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, which may have similar symptoms to celiac disease but with a different mechanism and does not involve the autoimmune response. The prevalence of gluten sensitivity is still a matter of research, but estimates are that it's around 6-10% of the population.

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