Diarrhea is the most common symptom in untreated celiac sprue and is present in 45-85% of all patients. Diarrhea caused by celiac disease is due to the maldigestion and malabsorption of ingested nutrients. The stools might be watery or semiformed, light tan or gray, and oily or frothy and have a characteristic foul odour. In infants and young children, extensive diarrhea often leads to severe dehydration, electrolyte depletion, and metabolic acidosis [6].

Malabsorption of ingested fat (steatorrhea) results in the delivery of excessive dietary fat to the large bowel. This results in the production of hydroxy fatty acids by bacteria, which causes secretion of fluids into the intestine. Flatulence (seen in 28% of patients) and borborygmus (seen in 35-72% of patients) results from the release of intestinal gas by the bacterial florae feasting on undigested and unabsorbed food materials and often becomes excessive and in some cases, explosive.

Weight loss (seen in 45% of all patients) is variable because some patients might compensate for the malabsorption by increasing food intake. In infants and young children with untreated celiac disease, failure to thrive and growth retardation are relatively common.

Anemia (seen in 10-15% of patients) is usually due to impaired absorption of iron or folate from the proximal small intestine. In severe celiac disease with ileal involvement, absorption of vitamin B-12 might be impaired. A bleeding diathesis is usually caused by prothrombin deficiency due to impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamin K.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis might cause bone pain for several reasons, including defective calcium transport by the diseased small intestine, vitamin D deficiency, and binding of luminal calcium and magnesium to unabsorbed dietary fatty acids.

• Easy Bruising

  […] diet is commenced Weight loss Chronic constipation – some are more likely to experience constipation rather than diarrhoea Flatulence and abdominal distension Cramping and bloating Nausea and vomiting Osteoporosis (thin bones) Less common in adults: Easy [coeliac.org.nz]

  bruising Depression or anxiety Fatigue Growth delay in children Hair loss Itchy skin with a rash ( dermatitis herpetiformis ) Missed menstrual periods Mouth ulcers Muscle cramps and joint pain Nosebleeds Seizures Tingling or numbness in the hands or [nlm.nih.gov]

  bruising Bone/joint pain Swollen ankles/hands Mouth ulcers/canker sores Infertility in both sexes, miscarriages Feeling depressed/depression Migraine headaches Unexplained neurological conditions Table 2. [web.archive.org]

• Anemia

  Patients classically have symptoms and signs of malabsorption (i.e. diarrhea, nutrient deficiencies, iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, anemia ). [ddc.musc.edu]

  METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among children aged 1 to 12 years of age with moderate-to-severe iron deficiency anemia and control children without anemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Some people have “non-classic celiac disease,” such as when the only symptom is anemia. Non-classic celiac disease is becoming the most common form of celiac disease. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

• Weight Loss

  Malnutrition can lead to anemia and weight loss. In children, malnutrition can cause slow growth and short stature. Bone weakening. [mayoclinic.org]

  They may experience weight loss, gastric distension, features of other associated disorders such as diabetes, dermatitis herpetiformis (a particular type of skin disorder), and bone pain from osteoporosis/osteomalacia. [ddc.musc.edu]

  This article describes a toddler who initially presented with recurrent diarrhea and weight loss with a significant secondary hypokalemia. His initial examination included screening for celiac disease, but the serology was negative. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Fatigue

  The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications. In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, besides causing the symptoms seen in adults. [mayoclinic.org]

  Other potential causes of fatigue include infection, thyroid problems, depression and anemia. Summary Fatigue is a common issue for those with celiac disease. [healthline.com]

  These outpatient tests are currently the best tools to distinguish between celiac and illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome that can cause similar symptoms. [celiacdisease.org]

  Our patient presented to clinic with complaints of a burning tongue for the past two years as well as occasional loose stools and fatigue. Work-up revealed iron deficiency anemia, zinc deficiency and an abnormal celiac panel. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Malnutrition

  Neurological symptoms were preceded by two months of gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal distention, and clear signs of malnutrition and weight loss. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Malnutrition can lead to anemia and weight loss. In children, malnutrition can cause slow growth and short stature. Bone weakening. [mayoclinic.org]

  Damage to the small intestine and the resulting nutrient absorption put people with celiac disease at risk for malnutrition and anemia. [asge.org]

• Weakness

  Improvement of patient's weakness and laboratory abnormalities was obvious after treatment with gluten free diet, vitamin D, calcium and iron. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Anemia (low blood count), causing fatigue and weakness, develops as a result of iron deficiency. Low protein levels in the blood can lead to fluid retention and tissue swelling (edema). [merckmanuals.com]

  She had reached a serious state of depletion and weakness from her self imposed starvation, refusing all food and regurgitating that fed to her by gavage. [doi.org]

• Diarrhea

  Patients classically have symptoms and signs of malabsorption (i.e. diarrhea, nutrient deficiencies, iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, anemia ). [ddc.musc.edu]

  The patient's diarrhea resolved after initiation of a gluten free diet. He gained 25 kilograms after discharge and did not require further hospitalizations for diarrhea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  When to see a doctor Consult your doctor if you have diarrhea or digestive discomfort that lasts for more than two weeks. [mayoclinic.org]

  There are recurrent attacks of diarrhea, with accompanying stomach cramps, alternating with constipation. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Abdominal Pain

  We report here a 6-year-old girl presenting with malaise, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, abdominal distension. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Other symptoms of celiac disease may include: Headache Fatigue and weakness Joint pain Numbness and tingling (paresthesia) of the hands and feet Osteoporosis due to decreased absorption of calcium and vitamin D Skin rash Abdominal pain GERD and heartburn [medicinenet.com]

  It is important to remember that most patients with abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea do not have celiac disease. [patients.gi.org]

• Lactose Intolerance

  Definition of the celiac disease are a disorder in children and adults; inability to tolerate wheat protein (gluten); symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation; often accompanied by lactose intolerance ▲ [meaningin.com]

  Some patients with celiac disease may have problems digesting dairy products (lactose intolerance). Celiac disease can also be accompanied by an itching skin rash, with or without gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, known as dermatitis herpetiformis. [uspharmacist.com]

  Gastrointestinal symptoms include: Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion Constipation Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged) Diarrhea, either constant or off and on Lactose intolerance (common when the person is diagnosed, often [nlm.nih.gov]

• Failure to Thrive

  In young children, gastrointestinal presentations are common and include chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention; however, extraintestinal manifestations are becoming increasingly more common. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Nausea

  These symptoms include: Nausea or vomiting Bloating or a swelling in the belly Diarrhea Constipation Pale, foul-smelling stool (steatorrhea) Weight loss Not everyone with celiac disease will have these symptoms. [webmd.com]

  Digestive signs and symptoms for adults include: Diarrhea Fatigue Weight loss Bloating and gas Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Constipation However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have signs and symptoms unrelated to the digestive system [mayoclinic.org]

  The most common treatment-emergent adverse events in the Nexvax2 participants were headache (52%), diarrhoea (48%), nausea (37%), abdominal pain (26%), and abdominal discomfort (19%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Children with celiac disease may have defects in tooth enamel and changes in tooth color, delayed puberty, diarrhea, constipation, fatty or foul-smelling stools, nausea or vomiting, irritable and fussy behavior, poor weight gain and slowed growth or shorter [eatright.org]

  Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, and “brain fog." These might be slight or severe. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

• Aphthous Stomatitis

  Recurrent aphthous stomatitis was reported in 26 patients (53.0%) and in 13 (25.5%) controls ( p = 0.005). Dental enamel disorders were reported in 7 patients (14.3%) and in 0 controls ( p = 0.002), with none having geographic tongue. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The association between celiac disease, dental enamel defects, and aphthous ulcers in a United States cohort. J Clin Gastroenterol 2010;44(3):191-4. Cantekin K, Arslan D, Delikan E. [ada.org]

  Slebioda Z, Szponar E, Kowalska A: Etiopathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and the role of immunologic aspects: literature review. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2014;62:205-215. [dx.doi.org]

  Extraintestinal symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the disease and include chronic fatigue, anaemia, reduced bone mineral density, aphthous stomatitis, high aminotransferase levels, joint/muscle pain, and spontaneous abortions, epilepsy, peripheral [doi.org]

• Cheilitis

  […] damage to the small intestine, and can heal some existing damage.4 Oral Manifestations Oral manifestations of celiac disease identified in children may include delay in dental eruption, reduction of salivary flow, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, angular cheilitis [ada.org]

• Eczema

  Assessment for publication bias in analyses of eczema was not possible because of the limited number of studies. [doi.org]

  Browning and Sylvia Hsu, Medical Pearl: Dermatitis herpetiformis—Potential for confusion with eczema, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 54, 2, (327), (2006). [dx.doi.org]

  Other potential causes of an itchy skin rash besides celiac disease include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and hives. Summary Celiac disease can cause a type of itchy skin rash. [healthline.com]

• Purpura

  Consider serologic testing for celiac disease with any of following: Addisons disease, amenorrhea, apthous stomatitis, autoimmune myocarditis, chronic thrombocytopenic purpura, neuropsychiatric disease, epilepsy, low trauma fracture, lymphoma, metabolic [clinicaladvisor.com]

  Celiac disease and keratoconjunctivitis: occurrence with thrombocytopenic purpura. Arch Intern Med 1982 ; 142 : 1037. ↵ Stenhammar L and Ljunggren CG. Thrombocytopenic purpura and coeliac disease. [bloodjournal.org]

  Specifically, CE can be useful in diagnosing systemic diseases and vasculitis[ 46 ] with small bowel involvement, such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura, Churg-Strauss syndrome and Behçet disease)[ 47 - 49 ]. [doi.org]

  […] vol. 96 (pg. 146 - 149 ) 49 Gynaecological and obstetric disorders in coeliac disease: frequent clinical onset during pregnancy or the puerperium, Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1996, vol. 8 (pg. 63 - 89 ) 50 Increased risk of immune thrombocytopenic purpura [dx.doi.org]

• Hyperpigmentation

  The usual clinical presentation of DH consists of diffuse, symmetrical, grouped polymorphic lesions consisting of erythema, urticarial plaques, papules, herpetiform vesiculae, and blisters followed by erosions, excoriations, and hyperpigmentation[ 38, [doi.org]

• Pruritic Rash

  Dermatitis herpetiformis, an intensely pruritic rash found most commonly on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, is a common non-gastrointestinal manifestation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Osteoporosis

  Secondary osteoporosis occurs in many diseases. Celiac disease-induced osteoporosis is the consequence of secondary hyperparathyroidism. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Since the diagnosis of celiac disease is often delayed, there can be significant issues with iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis because of decreased levels of calcium and vitamin D, and poor growth and development. [medicinenet.com]

  They may experience weight loss, gastric distension, features of other associated disorders such as diabetes, dermatitis herpetiformis (a particular type of skin disorder), and bone pain from osteoporosis/osteomalacia. [ddc.musc.edu]

• Bone Pain

  Musculoskeletal problems (muscle cramps, joint and bone pain) and defects in dental enamel. Growth problems and failure to thrive (in children). This is because they cannot absorb the nutrients. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  They may experience weight loss, gastric distension, features of other associated disorders such as diabetes, dermatitis herpetiformis (a particular type of skin disorder), and bone pain from osteoporosis/osteomalacia. [ddc.musc.edu]

  In patients with bone pain, non traumatic fractures and muscle weakness, osteomalacia should be kept in mind and proper diagnostic work-up should be performed to identify the underlying cause of osteomalacia such as celiac disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Further symptoms vary and can include mouth ulcers, extreme fatigue, bone pain and others. A serious skin condition (called dermatitis herpetiformis) that results in an itchy rash with bumps and blisters is sometimes a result of this disease. [canada.ca]

  Osteopenia and osteoporosis might cause bone pain for several reasons, including defective calcium transport by the diseased small intestine, vitamin D deficiency, and binding of luminal calcium and magnesium to unabsorbed dietary fatty acids. [symptoma.com]

• Arthralgia

  After three weeks she developed other symptoms such as arthralgias, malar rash, being finally diagnosed with SLE and possible autoimmune hepatitis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Anemia Elevated transaminase concentrations Dementia Secretory diarrhea Folate or iron deficiency Recurrent pancreatitis Spinocerebellar syndrome Weight loss Neuropathy Occult blood Tetany Constipation Osteoporosis Enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma Arthralgia [ajcn.nutrition.org]

• Restless Legs Syndrome

  (Caro et al, 2008; Uceyler et al, 2010; Gupta and Harney, 2010), Erythromelalgia (Patricoff et al, 2007; Kumar and Davis, 2006), Raynaud syndrome (Manek et al, 2009) restless leg syndrome (Polysdefkir et al, 2005; Gemignai et al, 2009), neuroma, fasciitis [web.archive.org]

  Central and peripheral nervous system excitability in restless legs syndrome. [dx.doi.org]

  legs syndrome, chorea, parkinsonism, Tourette syndrome, palatal tremor, myoclonus, dystonia, opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, paroxysms, dyskinesia, myorhythmia, myokymia).[11][75] The diagnosis of underlying gluten sensitivity is complicated and delayed [en.wikipedia.org]

• Muscular Atrophy

  Children < 2 yr Children > 2 yr Adults Diarrhea Loose stools Dyspepsia/irritable bowel syndrome Malnutrition Iron deficiency Iron deficiency Bloating Abdominal pain Constipation Vomiting Dyspepsia Osteoporosis Irritability Growth delay Arthritis Muscular [doi.org]

• Auditory Hallucination

  The disruptive effects they exert on visual and auditory areas are consistent with typical malfunctionings such as hallucinations in schizophrenia ( Sun et al., 1999 ). [dx.doi.org]

  The disruptive effects they exert on visual and auditory areas are consistent with typical malfunctionings such as hallucinations in schizophrenia (Sun et al., 1999 ). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Anxiety Disorder

  Reactive anxiety that usually ameliorates with a GFD is the predominant form of anxiety disorder in these patients. [dx.doi.org]

• Headache

  […] relief from their headaches. [verywellhealth.com]

  Credit: istockphoto Another vague complaint, headaches are common in people with celiac disease. In some cases, the disorder causes migraine headaches. [cbsnews.com]

  Headaches are another potential symptom, but their prevalence adds a layer of complexity when it comes to diagnosis. [glutenfreeliving.com]

• Peripheral Neuropathy

  […] differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in children. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY Peripheral neuropathy is the second commonest manifestation of gluten sensitivity. [dx.doi.org]

  They may suffer from abdominal distension and pain, and/or other symptoms such as: iron-deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue, chronic migraine, peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness or pain in hands or feet), unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia [celiac.org]

• Cerebellar Ataxia

  ( ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G32.81 Cerebellar ataxia in diseases classified elsewhere 2016 2017 2018 2019 Billable/Specific Code Manifestation Code Code First underlying disease, such as: celiac disease (with gluten ataxia) ( K90.0 ) cerebellar ataxia [icd10data.com]

  In two studies, cerebellar ataxia was documented in 2.7 to 5.4% of participants; in two further studies, the risk of cerebellar dysfunction was zero. Two studies found an association between coeliac disease and peripheral neuropathy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Testing is also recommended when any of the following conditions are present: 1st or 2nd degree relative with celiac disease; autoimmune thyroid disease; peripheral neuropathy; cerebellar ataxia; irritable bowel syndrome; selective IgA deficiency; Type [questdiagnostics.com]

  “Less-common neurological conditions include cerebellar ataxia with unsteadiness or incoordination, seizures or neuropsychiatric disorders,” he says. [glutenfreeliving.com]

• Paresthesia

  Carpal spasms and paresthesias of her extremities were present. Neuromuscular irritability was demonstrated by positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Painful paresthesias can be treated using oral medications for neuropathic pain such as Lyrica or Cymbalta, or with topical medications such as Lidoderm. [web.archive.org]

  Other symptoms of celiac disease may include: Headache Fatigue and weakness Joint pain Numbness and tingling (paresthesia) of the hands and feet Osteoporosis due to decreased absorption of calcium and vitamin D Skin rash Abdominal pain GERD and heartburn [medicinenet.com]

  […] abdominal pain - 34-64% of patients Extraintestinal symptoms Extraintestinal symptoms may include the following: Anemia - 10-15% of patients Osteopenia and osteoporosis - 1-34% of patients Neurologic symptoms - 8-14% of patients; include motor weakness, paresthesias [emedicine.com]

• Involuntary Movements

  Homozygous Mutation in Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A Gene Results in Intractable Epilepsy， Involuntary Movements， Microcephaly， and Developmental and Growth Retardation[J]. Pediatr Neurol. 2015; 52： 642-6. 以上内容仅授权39健康网独家使用，未经版权方授权请勿转载。 [sj.39.net]

The diagnosis is focused on testing for specific antibodies. For instance, if excessively high levels of endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies are found, the individual most definitely has celiac disease.

High levels of another antibody, anti-gliadin, may also be detected, but this doesn’t always mean a person has celiac disease [7]. However, anti-gliadin antibody levels are important when monitoring response to treatment, this is because they will usually begin to fall after a few months of successful treatment of celiac disease with a gluten-free diet.

People who test positive for celiac disease antibodies will be subjected to intestinal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A small intestinal biopsy is performed with an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Loss of villi and other characteristics of celiac disease, such as an increased number of lymphocytes are present.

• Liver Enzymes Abnormal

  However, many patients now present with non-classical (atypical) symptoms including anemia, osteoporosis, extreme fatigue, oral ulcers, liver enzyme abnormalities, constipation, infertility, dental enamel defects, neurological problems, etc. [celiac.ca]

  enzyme abnormalities Someone with celiac disease may have a variety of the above symptoms, and different people with celiac disease may have completely different symptoms. [patients.gi.org]

• Thrombocytosis

  Nelson EW, Ertan A, Brooks FP, et al: Thrombocytosis in patients with celiac sprue. Gastroenterology 1976;70:1042-1044. Caroccio A, Giannitrapani L, Di Prima L, et al: Extreme thrombocytosis as a sign of coeliac disease in the elderly; case report. [dx.doi.org]

  Extreme thrombocytosis as a sign of coeliac disease in the elderly: case report. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2002 ; 14 : 897 –900. ↵ Schafer AI. Thrombocytosis. N Engl J Med 2004 ; 350 : 1211 –1219. ↵ Pittschieler K. [bloodjournal.org]

  […] transaminase and alanine transaminase levels Minimal elevation common in celiac disease; presumably autoimmune Decreased albumin level Malnutrition Elevated calcium level, decreased phosphate level Vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism Thrombocytosis [aafp.org]

• Hyponatremia

  The patient had normal anion-gap metabolic acidosis (pH = 7.16) with persisting hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia. In addition, severe vitamin deficiencies and coagulopathy were present. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Macrocytosis

  Concomitant iron deficiency as can be seen in CD can result in atypical findings on the blood smear, and patients with deficiencies of folate and vitamin B 12 may not present with the characteristic macrocytosis. [bloodjournal.org]

• HLA-DQ2

  CONCLUSION: HLA-CeD is not more frequent in IBD patients, with an even lower frequency of HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 in UC and CD respectively. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Gluten-reactive T cells recognize peptides from gluten in the context of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, but not in the context of any other HLA molecules expressed by patients ( 6, 7 ). [doi.org]

• HLA-DR3

  We confirmed the high frequency of HLA-DR3 in this population, and we were also able to demonstrate the additional risk of developing celiac disease imparted by HLA-DR7. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  […] only the HLA-DR3–DQ2 haplotype. [nejm.org]

  We confirmed the high frequency of HLA‐DR3 in this population, and we were also able to demonstrate the additional risk of developing celiac disease imparted by HLA‐DR7. [doi.org]

The primary management of celiac disease is dietary. Complete elimination of gluten-containing grain products (including wheat, rye, and barley) is essential to treatment. However, complete avoidance of gluten-containing grain products is often difficult for patients to achieve and maintain. This is because certain products like wheat flour are virtually ever present in the American diet [8].

A small percentage of patients with celiac disease fail to respond to a gluten-free diet. In some patients who are refractory, corticosteroids can prove very helpful. In patients who fail to respond to corticosteroids, other comorbid conditions, such as lymphomas of the small intestine, have to be ruled out [9] [10].

With early removal of gluten from the diet, it becomes less likely for health complications to develop. The body quickly returns to health, in many cases, after the individual begins strict gluten-free nutrition.

To achieve optimal health, the gluten free diet must be maintained for life [5].

Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a prolamin (gluten protein) found in wheat, and similar proteins found in the crops of the tribe Triticeae (which includes other common grains such as barley and rye).

Wheat subspecies (like spelt and durum) and related species (such as barley, rye, triticale and Kamut) also induce symptoms of celiac disease [2]. A small minority of people with celiac disease also react to oats. It is most probable that oats produce symptoms due to cross-contamination with other grains in the fields or in the distribution channels. Therefore, oats are generally not recommended. However, many companies assure the 'purity' of oats and are therefore still able to be consumed through these sources.

Other cereals like maize, millet, sorghum, teff, rice, and wild rice are safe for individuals with coeliac to ingest, as well as non-cereals like amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat. Non-cereal carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes and bananas do not contain gluten and do not trigger symptoms of celiac disease.

Celiac disease isn’t common. Its prevalence is decreased among blacks and those of Hispanic or Asian ethnicity. The incidence of symptomatic celiac disease in adults is estimated at 2 to 13 per 100,000 per year [3].

Celiac disease has a strong hereditary connotation. The prevalence of the condition in first-degree relatives is 10% approximately.

A strong association exists between celiac disease and two human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes (DQ2 and DQ8). Damage to the intestinal mucosa is seen with the presentation of gluten-derived peptide gliadin, made up of 33 amino acids, by the HLA molecules to helper T cells. Helper T cells mediate the inflammatory response. Endogenous tissue transglutaminase deamidates gliadin into a negatively charged protein thereby increasing its immunogenicity. Absence of intestinal villi and lengthening of intestinal crypts characterize mucosal lesions in untreated celiac disease. More lymphocytes infiltrate the epithelium (intraepithelial lymphocytes). Destruction of the absorptive surface of the intestine leads to a maldigestive and malabsorption syndrome [4].

The disease cannot be prevented.

Also known as celiac sprue and gluten sensitive enteropathy, celiac disease is mostly a chronic disorder of the digestive tract which brings about an inability to tolerate gliadin which is the alcohol soluble fraction of gluten. The protein gluten is mostly found in rye, barley and wheat [1].

In patients with ciliac sprue, ingestion of giladin triggers an immunologically mediated inflammatory response which ends up damaging the mucosa of the intestines. This brings about maldigestion and malabsorption of food nutrients.

Celiac disease is reaction to eating gluten. Gluten is a protein that is seen in wheat, rye and barley. 

In people that have celiac disease, consumption of this protein causes an immune response in your small intestine. Over a period of time the reaction damages the small intestine and this leads to malabsorption (inability to absorb other nutrients). 

With this intestinal damage, weight loss, bloating and diarrhea in some cases sets in. After a while, the brain, nervous system, liver, and other organs end up getting deprived of important nutrients. 

In children with this condition, malabsorption can affect development and growth. This intestinal irritation can lead to stomach pain especially after eating. 

There is no total cure for this disease but it can be controlled by following a strict gluten free diet. The diet can also lead to gradual healing of the intestine. 

1. Cristofori F, Fontana C, Magistà A, Capriati T, Indrio F, Castellaneta S, et al. Increased Prevalence of Celiac Disease Among Pediatric Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A 6-Year Prospective Cohort Study. JAMA Pediatr. Apr 21 2014.
2. Squires JE, Fei L, Cohen MB. Role of Celiac Disease Screening for Children With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. JAMA Pediatr. Apr 21 2014.
3. Ludvigsson JF, Zingone F, Tomson T, Ekbom A, Ciacci C. Increased risk of epilepsy in biopsy-verified celiac disease: A population-based cohort study. Neurology. May 1 2012;78(18):1401-7.
4. Rubio-Tapia A, Hill ID, Kelly CP, Calderwood AH, Murray JA. ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. May 2013;108(5):656-76.
5. Green PH, Cellier C. Celiac disease. N Engl J Med. Oct 25 2007;357(17):1731-43.
6. Ludvigsson JF, Leffler DA, Bai JC, et al. The Oslo definitions for coeliac disease and related terms. Gut 2013; 62:43.
7. AGA Institute. AGA Institute Medical Position Statement on the Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology 2006; 131:1977.
8. Bai JC, Fried M, Corazza GR, et al. World Gastroenterology Organisation global guidelines on celiac disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 2013; 47:121.
9. Rubio-Tapia A, Hill ID, Kelly CP, et al. ACG clinical guidelines: diagnosis and management of celiac disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2013; 108:656.
10. Stenson WF, Newberry R, Lorenz R, et al. Increased prevalence of celiac disease and need for routine screening among patients with osteoporosis. Arch Intern Med 2005; 165:393.