Celiac Disease

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage prevents the body from absorbing essential nutrients, leading to a wide range of digestive and non-digestive symptoms.

Celiac disease is not an allergy or food intolerance. It is a serious medical condition that can lead to long-term complications if left untreated.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in:

• Wheat (e.g., bread, pasta, cereals)
• Barley (found in malt, beer, some soups)
• Rye (found in certain breads and crackers)

Even small amounts of gluten can cause harm to individuals with celiac disease, which is why a strict gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of treatment.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Symptoms can vary widely and may affect the digestive system or other parts of the body.

Digestive symptoms:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatty, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
• Weight loss or failure to thrive in children

Non-digestive symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Anemia (iron deficiency)
• Joint or bone pain
• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Headaches or migraines
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Infertility or recurrent miscarriage
• Delayed puberty or growth issues in children
• Depression or anxiety

Some people with celiac disease have no symptoms at all but still suffer from internal intestinal damage.

Causes and Risk Factors

Celiac disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It often runs in families and is more common in people with other autoimmune conditions.

Risk factors include:

• Family history of celiac disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
• Microscopic colitis or other autoimmune conditions

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose celiac disease, your doctor may recommend:

• Blood tests: To check for celiac-specific antibodies (tTG-IgA, EMA)
• Genetic testing: To check for HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes
• Upper endoscopy with biopsy: To examine and collect tissue from the small intestine to look for villous atrophy (damage to intestinal lining)

Important: Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing, as it can interfere with test accuracy.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for celiac disease. The only effective treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the intestine to heal and symptoms to resolve.

What to avoid:

• Foods with wheat, barley, rye
• Certain sauces, soups, and processed foods
• Beer (unless gluten-free)
• Medications or supplements with gluten-based fillers

Safe alternatives:

• Rice, corn, quinoa, millet, buckwheat
• Certified gluten-free grains and flours
• Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy (naturally gluten-free)

Supportive treatment:

• Nutritional supplements for deficiencies (iron, calcium, B12, vitamin D)
• Monitoring by a gastroenterologist and dietitian
• Regular follow-ups and repeat blood tests

Complications if Left Untreated

Untreated celiac disease can lead to:

• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Neurological problems (e.g., neuropathy, seizures)
• Small bowel cancer or lymphoma
• Growth problems in children

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Celiac Disease Management?

Aster Hospitals provides comprehensive care for celiac disease through a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, dietitians, endocrinologists, and pediatricians. We ensure accurate diagnosis using advanced serologic and endoscopic testing, followed by personalized diet plans crafted by certified clinical nutritionists. Our approach includes ongoing support to help patients maintain dietary compliance, manage symptoms effectively, and monitor nutritional status to prevent long-term complications. We also offer education and guidance for families and caregivers to support successful, lifelong gluten-free living.