Celiac Disease: What You Need to Know

When learning about celiac disease, an immune‑mediated disorder where ingestion of gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Also known as celiac sprue, it can cause a wide range of symptoms beyond the gut. Understanding this condition helps you recognize signs early and take the right steps.

Gluten is the key trigger. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can provoke an immune reaction in susceptible individuals sets off the cascade that leads to villous atrophy. When you eat foods containing gluten, the body mistakenly attacks its own intestinal cells, which is why a strict avoidance plan is essential. This is where the celiac disease link becomes unmistakable.

The underlying cause is an autoimmune process. Autoimmune disorder, a condition where the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues explains why celiac disease isn’t just a food intolerance. The immune system produces anti‑tissue transglutaminase antibodies that damage the microvilli, reducing nutrient absorption and leading to systemic effects.

Because the damage occurs in the small intestine, the first part of the digestive tract responsible for nutrient absorption, patients often experience weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. The villi flatten, cutting down the surface area for absorption. This anatomical focus also determines why endoscopic biopsy is a gold‑standard diagnostic tool.

Diagnosing celiac disease involves several steps. Blood tests look for specific antibodies like tTG‑IgA and EMA‑IgA. If those are elevated, a gastroenterologist usually recommends an upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsies to confirm villous atrophy. Some guidelines also allow a diagnosis based on high antibody levels plus a positive genetic test for HLA‑DQ2/DQ8, especially in pediatric cases.

A lifelong gluten‑free diet, the primary treatment that eliminates wheat, barley, and rye from meals restores intestinal health for most patients. It requires reading labels, avoiding cross‑contamination, and often working with a dietitian to ensure balanced nutrition. Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms, so vigilance is key.

Nutritional deficiencies are common before the gut heals. Iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin D losses can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and neuro‑cognitive issues. Regular blood work helps track recovery, and supplementation may be needed until the intestine fully recovers.

It’s easy to confuse celiac disease with related conditions. Non‑celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar gut upset but lacks the autoimmune antibodies and intestinal damage. Wheat allergy triggers an IgE‑mediated response, often with hives or respiratory symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease, also affects the intestines but follows a different inflammatory pathway and requires distinct medications like budesonide.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each of these aspects—diagnostic tools, diet strategies, managing deficiencies, and distinguishing celiac disease from other gut disorders. Use them to build a solid plan for living well with this condition.