Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, leads to serious damage in the small intestine, creating long-term health complications.
Celiac disease can develop at any age.
People with celiac disease have a 2x greater risk of heart disease, and a 4x greater risk of developing small intestine cancers.
Long-term effects of untreated Celiac disease include:
Iron deficiency anemia
Coronary artery disease
Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
Type I diabetes
Migraines
Poor growth
Infertility and miscarriage
Central and peripheral nervous system disorders
Pancreatic insufficiency
Gall bladder malfunction
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Esophageal cancer
Thyroid cancer
Melanoma
Symptoms of Celiac disease:
There are more than 200 known Celiac disease symptoms.
Celiac disease symptoms can occur in the digestive tract or other parts of the body.
Adult symptoms of Celiac disease:
unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
fatigue
bone or joint pain
arthritis
osteoporosis or osteopenia
liver and biliary tract disorders
depression or anxiety
peripheral neuropathy
migraines
seizures
missed menstrual periods
infertility or recurrent miscarriage
canker sores inside the mouth
dermatitis herpetiformis
Child symptoms of Celiac disease:
abdominal bloating and pain
chronic diarrhea
vomiting
constipation
pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
iron-deficiency anemia
weight loss
fatigue
irritability and behavioral issues
dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth
delayed growth and puberty
short stature
failure to thrive
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
If you think you or your child might have celiac disease, speak to your doctor about testing.
At Manisha “Mona” Dave, MD – Pediatric Gastroenterology, we provide expert, child-focused digestive care from infancy to young adulthood. Dr. Dave, double board-certified in pediatric gastroenterology and obesity medicine, delivers accurate diagnoses, often within a week, in a warm, family-friendly setting.
