Celiac Disease and Gluten

Celiac disease is an immune disease in which people can’t eat gluten because it will damage their small intestine. When people with celiac disease eat foods with gluten, their immune systems respond by damaging the small intestine.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is what causes the elasticity in dough. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be in other products like medicines, vitamins and supplements, lip balm, and even the glue on stamps and envelopes.

Celiac disease affects each person differently. Symptoms may occur in the digestive system, or in other parts of the body. One person might have diarrhea and abdominal pain, while another person may be irritable or depressed. Irritability is one of the most common symptoms in children. Some people have no symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Celiac disease is genetic. Blood tests can help doctors diagnose the disease. The doctor may also need to examine a small piece of tissue from the small intestine. Treatment is a diet free of gluten.