Celiac Disease Defined

Celiac disease is a an immune-mediated digestive condition. Individuals with Celiac disease experience an immune reaction when eating gluten containing products such as wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats. Gluten can also be found in medicines, vitamins and lip balms.

The immune reaction from gluten occurs in the small intestine damaging the villi and causing abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea. The villi help the body absorb nutrients from food so as the condition progresses, malnourishment occurs.

Diagnosing Celiac disease involves the measurement of several blood tests and may also require a small intestine biopsy through an endoscopy procedure. 

There is no cure for Celiac disease but you can manage your symptoms by incorporating a gluten-free diet into your lifestyle.

Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, and Food Allergy: How are they different?