What is Celiac Disease?
by Joseph Murray, MD
Celiac disease (a.k.a. celiac sprue) is a disease of the small intestine that is triggered by the eating of grain proteins from wheat, barley, rye, and occasionally oats. The immune system’s reaction to the protein causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage leads to such symptoms as diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Failure to absorb nutrients and vitamins can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, nerve damage, infertility, and growth failure. Celiac disease is more common in family members of individuals with known celiac disease and individuals with juvenile onset diabetes.
Celiac disease may be detected by special blood tests, but the diagnosis is confirmed by having a biopsy of the small intestine. This is an outpatient test which is commonly performed by a gastroenterologist. It is important that the patient not go on a gluten-free diet before testing as this may invalidate the test results. Once diagnosed, a gluten-free diet will result in healing of the intestine. Resolution of the symptoms may take from one to six months. The gluten-free diet is life-long. While the intestine may heal, it is always sensitive to the presence of the proteins. Rarely is any other treatment needed.
site last updated March 19th, 2010
