More than 2 million people in America have celiac disease, a digestive and autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine.
Celiac disease affects people of all ages, genders, and races, and it can be hereditary.
People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in:
- Barley.
- Rye.
- Some oats.
- Wheat.
When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the small intestine, damaging the inner lining that absorbs nutrients from food. This damage prevents their body from absorbing nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition and other health complications.
UPMC specialists provide multidisciplinary care for celiac disease. Our dietitians work with our gastroenterologists to help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
On this page:
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to your small intestine.
People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in:
- Barley.
- Rye.
- Some oats.
- Wheat.
When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks their small intestine, damaging the inner lining that absorbs nutrients from food. This damage prevents their body from absorbing nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition and other health complications.
What is the difference between celiac disease and a gluten allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an immune reaction that causes damage to the small intestine.
A gluten allergy is a type of food allergy that is caused by an allergic response to gluten.
Gluten sensitivity or intolerance happens when people experience symptoms after eating gluten, but do not have celiac disease.
What are the types of celiac disease?
There are several types of celiac disease, including:
- Classical celiac disease — The most common form of celiac disease, this causes gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss, and other symptoms due to difficulty absorbing nutrients.
- Non-classical celiac disease — Causes mild gastrointestinal or non-gastrointestinal symptoms, such as low red blood cell count (anemia), fatigue, migraines, and more.
- Refractory celiac disease — A rare form of celiac disease that causes severe symptoms despite following a strict gluten-free diet.
- Silent celiac disease — Causes damage to the small intestine with no noticeable symptoms.
How common is celiac disease?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, celiac disease affects approximately 2 million people in the U.S. and 1% of people worldwide. However, because celiac disease often goes undiagnosed, many more people may be affected.
What causes celiac disease?
The cause of celiac disease is unclear. However, researchers suspect genetics and exposure to gluten may play a role.
Celiac disease risk factors
You may be at higher risk of developing celiac disease if:
- You are female.
- You are Caucasian.
- You have a parent, child, or sibling with celiac disease.
- You have a chromosomal disorder such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, or Williams syndrome.
Complications of celiac disease
Celiac disease can cause complications related to your body’s inability to properly absorb nutrients, including:
- Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- Malnutrition.
- Nervous system problems.
- Osteoporosis (weakening of your bones).
- Reproductive problems.
Other complications include an increased risk of developing cancer in your small intestine, liver damage, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
How can I prevent celiac disease?
There is nothing you can do to prevent celiac disease. However, following a gluten-free diet will help you manage symptoms and prevent damage to your small intestine.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
Symptoms of celiac disease vary from person to person. Some people with celiac disease experience no symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms among children and adults are:
- Abdominal pain.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Weight loss.
Celiac disease symptoms in children
Infants and young children with celiac disease are more likely to have digestive symptoms, but can also experience:
- Delayed puberty.
- Dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth.
- Irritability.
- Stunted growth.
Celiac disease symptoms in adults
Adults are also susceptible to digestive symptoms, but more commonly experience:
- Arthritis.
- Bone or joint pain.
- Bone loss or osteoporosis.
- Canker sores inside the mouth.
- Depression or anxiety.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy skin rash.
- Fatigue.
- Seizures.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia.
When should I see a doctor about my celiac disease symptoms?
If you have symptoms of celiac disease, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Although celiac disease is not a medical emergency, getting early treatment can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of complications.
How Do You Diagnose Celiac Disease?
Your doctor may suspect you have celiac disease based on your symptoms and may order testing to confirm the diagnosis.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects celiac disease, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Order other tests.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose celiac disease
Tests to diagnose celiac disease may include:
- Blood tests — Blood tests can check for signs of celiac disease and related symptoms, such as anemia.
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy — Your doctor will use a lighted tube with a camera called an endoscope to look inside your upper digestive tract. During the procedure, your doctor will use tweezers to take several tissue samples from the lining of your small intestine for analysis in a lab.
Celiac disease prognosis
After starting a gluten-free diet that allows the intestine to heal, most people with celiac disease experience symptom relief within a few weeks. Although people with celiac disease will need to avoid gluten, most can live normal lives.
What happens if celiac disease is untreated?
Without treatment, celiac disease can lead to serious complications related to your body’s inability to properly absorb nutrients, including:
- Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- Malnutrition.
- Nervous system problems.
- Osteoporosis (weakening of your bones).
- Reproductive problems.
Other complications include an increased risk of developing cancer in your small intestine, liver damage, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What is the life expectancy of a person with celiac disease?
Celiac disease itself is not life-threatening. However, if left untreated, celiac disease complications can slightly lower your life expectancy. Most people with celiac disease who follow a gluten-free diet and manage their condition have a normal life expectancy.
Can celiac disease be cured?
Although there is no cure for celiac disease, following a gluten-free diet allows intestinal damage to heal, which reduces symptoms.
How Do You Treat Celiac Disease?
Your doctor will provide you with information on how to follow a gluten-free diet and may refer you to a registered dietitian for additional guidance. You will need to avoid certain grains, including:
- Barley.
- Wheat.
- Rye.
- Triticale.
These grains can be found in certain alcoholic beverages, baked goods, baking mixes, breads, cereals, and pastas. They can also be found in other food ingredients and additives — particularly in processed foods.
Gluten-free diet tips
Your doctor and registered dietitian will recommend strategies to help you follow a gluten-free diet, including:
- Avoiding foods that aren’t clearly marked as gluten-free.
- Bringing gluten-free foods with you to social gatherings, if needed.
- Letting restaurant servers know you have celiac disease and asking questions about ingredients and preparation.
- Reading food labels.
- Searching for restaurants that offer gluten-free options.
- Storing and preparing gluten-free foods separately to avoid cross-contact with items containing gluten.
Why Choose UPMC for Celiac Disease Care?
When you choose UPMC for celiac disease care, you will receive:
- Access to board-certified specialists — Our gastrointestinal specialists are experienced in caring for people with celiac disease and related complications.
- Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will deliver an accurate diagnosis, so you can get the treatment you need to improve your quality of life.
- Specialized care from registered dietitians — Our nutrition experts can help you learn to manage celiac disease and follow a gluten-free diet.
