Celiac disease is a medical condition that affects the digestive system in terms of processing and absorbing food with gluten content.  Various grain-based products like wheat and rye for example contain gluten which is not properly absorbed by people with celiac disease. The affected part of the digestive system is the small intestines. Whenever gluten is taken is food, the small intestines will be unable to process and absorb its nutrients.  This is considered abnormal and will cause discomfort and illness to those who have celiac disease.

People diagnosed to have celiac disease will experience bloating and/or abdominal pain whenever food items with gluten content are consumed. With poor absorption from the small intestines, some patients with celiac disease will have frequent diarrhea while others will have nausea and vomiting.  The stool is also often foul-smelling.  Many patients with celiac disease will also lose some weight because of the absorption issues in their small intestines. With these symptoms, some patients will also become very weak and irritable.

Diagnosis of celiac disease may require blood tests, intestinal biopsy and/or endoscopy among many other procedures.  The laboratory tests and activities may be intensive because celiac disease has the same symptoms with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or basic food tolerance.  With gluten singled out as the cause of celiac disease, treatment is directed towards removing gluten from the patient’s diet. Referral to a nutritionist or dietician may be recommended by doctors to help patients find the right food items for daily consumption.  There are also patients who may be advised to have support groups in term of food choices.  The support group may involve family, friends, school and office mates depending on what’s applicable.  In most cases, the small intestines will show healing in about 3 to 6 months but symptoms will start to get relief after a few days of a gluten-free diet.