Celiac Disease Screening

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the digestive tract. It happens when someone eats gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. This causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.

Who is at risk for celiac disease?

About 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease. It is more common in people with European, Middle Eastern, Indian, South American, and North African backgrounds, but rare in those with Asian backgrounds. Women are two to three times more likely to have it.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Symptoms can vary a lot and can start at any age. Some people may have no symptoms or mild ones, while others may have severe problems like diarrhea, weight loss, stomach pain, and tiredness.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Doctors do blood tests to find specific antibodies and, if confirmed, a biopsy of the small intestine is required to see if there is damage to the tiny, finger-like structures called villi.

What is the treatment for celiac disease?

The main treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods with gluten, which helps the intestine heal, improves symptoms, and prevents other health issues.

Should everyone be screened for celiac disease?

No, not everyone needs to be screened. But if someone has risk factors, like a family history of celiac disease or other autoimmune diseases, they should be more careful and may need screening.

What causes celiac disease?

The exact cause isn't clear. It seems to involve a mix of genetic and environmental factors. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response that harms the small intestine's lining

Can celiac disease be cured?

There's no cure for celiac disease, but following a strict gluten-free diet can help control symptoms, heal the intestine, and prevent complications.

What are the complications of celiac disease?

If not treated, celiac disease can cause problems like malnutrition, weak bones, infertility, nerve disorders, and, in rare cases, certain cancers.

Can children have celiac disease?

Yes, children can have celiac disease. It's important to diagnose and treat it early to prevent complications and help them grow and develop normally.

Are there risk factors for celiac disease in children?

Yes, there are possible risk factors for celiac disease in children. These include when gluten is introduced to a baby's diet and how long they are breastfed. Introducing gluten before three months or after seven months of age may increase the risk of celiac disease. Breastfeeding for a longer time might lower the risk. Also, having a cesarean delivery and getting a rotavirus infection could be risk factors for celiac disease in children.

What are the common signs of celiac disease in the intestines?

The most common signs of celiac disease in the intestines are diarrhea and gas. However, these signs can be different for each person and might not be specific to celiac disease.

What are the signs of celiac disease outside the intestines?

Celiac disease can cause problems in different parts of the body, such as a skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, anemia due to low iron, and other autoimmune diseases. Some of these problems happen because the body can't absorb nutrients properly, while others are caused by the body's immune response itself.

What is dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin rash that is a sign of celiac disease. It is a very itchy rash with small bumps and blisters, often found on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp. About 25% of people with celiac disease get this rash, and it is more common in men than women.

Can celiac disease affect other body parts?

Yes, celiac disease can cause problems in many parts of the body. For example, not being able to absorb enough iron can lead to anemia, and the immune response can cause other issues outside the intestines.

What are some signs that a person might have celiac disease?

Some signs that a person might have celiac disease include long-lasting stomach problems, a family history of celiac disease or a personal history of autoimmune disease or low levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), a skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, ongoing diarrhea, poor growth in children, and anemia that doesn't improve with iron supplements.

Is dermatitis herpetiformis a sign of celiac disease?

Yes, dermatitis herpetiformis is a sign of celiac disease that affects the skin. About 80% of people with this rash have changes in their small intestine like those seen in celiac disease, but only 20% of them have typical celiac disease symptoms at first.