What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it causes the body to attack itself. Celiac disease is genetically inherited or passed on within families.

If a person has celiac disease and eats food that contains gluten, the small intestine will become inflamed, and other parts of the body can be affected too. There is no cure for celiac disease. But it can be managed with a completely gluten-free diet.

What are common symptoms of celiac disease?

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Stomach distress
• Vomiting

Some children with the disease have none of the symptoms that affect the way their body processes food. These children may have other symptoms, such as anemia, low energy, poor growth, or other less obvious symptoms, and still have celiac disease.

Once diagnosed, as your child starts eating a gluten-free diet, symptoms may lessen or go away over time.