Alternative Names
Celiac sprue; gluten-sensitive enteropathy; nontropical sprue
What is Celiac Disease? Celiac Disease Symptoms & Characteristics
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which the immune system responds to the protein gluten by damaging the small intestine. Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Although it is mainly found in foods, it may also be in other products such as medications, vitamins, and glue on stamps and envelopes.
Celiac disease affects each person differently. Some people do not have any symptoms, while others have symptoms that occur in the digestive system or other parts of the body. These symptoms may include:
- abdominal pain (bloating and gas)
- grayish stools (fatty or oily)
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, which may cause vitamin deficiencies and other illnesses.
Celiac Disease Management & Treatment
There is currently no cure for celiac disease. Treatment is a gluten free diet.
How Common Is Celiac Disease? Celiac Disease Statistics
Celiac disease is often thought to be misdiagnosed and undertreated, as the symptoms may be general and non-specific.
- Celiac disease is more common in people of European ancestry.
- An estimated 1 in 100 Americans have celiac disease.
Celiac Disease Causes & Risk Factors
Celiac disease tends to be more common in people with the following conditions:
Many environmental factors have been proposed to possibly contribute to celiac disease including (but not limited to):
- physical trauma
- infections
- the state of pregnancy
- severe stress or surgery
The exact associations between these environmental factors and celiac disease are unclear.
Celiac Disease Inheritance & Family History
Celiac disease is most likely a multifactorial condition, which means it involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
Researchers believe that a number of genes influence the development and symptoms of celiac disease.
- Two specific genetic variants called HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 have been associated with a predisposition (susceptibility) to celiac disease, but having a variant does mean that a person with necessarily develop celiac disease in their lifetime.
- Other yet to be identified or adequately classified genes may also contribute to celiac disease.
It is currently well established that celiac disease runs in some families. Family members of a person with celiac disease may have a greater risk of developing the condition than someone without a family history:
- Siblings of one person with celiac disease have an estimated 7% to 20% risk
- Children of one parent with celiac disease have an estimated 5% to 10% risk
- Parents of one child with celiac disease have an estimated 5% to 10% risk
- Second degree relatives (half-siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, or aunts/uncles) of one person celiac disease may have a slightly increased risk
- People with multiple affected relatives or the HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 variant may have an even higher risk
Celiac Disease Tests & Diagnosis
Clinical testing for celiac disease may involve specialized blood tests and examination of intestinal tissue.
Genetic testing for susceptibility to celiac disease is available online (over the internet) or through an in person genetic consultation for people who are considered at risk. Go to the Tests tab to link to online providers, compare providers and read provider reviews.
A trained genetic professional can explain the risk for celiac disease in your family, discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing for celiac disease, coordinate testing and interpret results in the context of personal and family medical history.
- A board-certified genetic counselor is available by telephone.
Informational genetic testing for susceptibility to celiac disease is available online (over the internet) as part of a whole genome scan. Whole genome scanning involves analyzing thousands of SNPs at once related to a number of different health conditions.
- At this point, many genetic professionals do not consider this testing clinically useful or medically relevant, but for informational purposes only. Go to the Tests tab to link to providers, compare providers, and read provider reviews.
Celiac Disease Prevention & Related Issues
There is no known way to prevent celiac disease. If you experiencing any signs or symptoms of celiac disease, speak to your doctor immediately.
Celiac Disease Support & More Information
More information and support can be found at:
Celiac Disease Sources