The vast majority of individuals with celiac disease have little in the way of gastrointestinal symptoms or have symptoms that may receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. While the classical symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss and edema, other patients may present with constipation, anemia, bone pain or bone loss, chronic fatigue, skin problems, abnormal liver chemistries, dental enamel defects and neurological symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, ataxia or seizures.

Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong digestive disorder, found in individuals who are genetically susceptible, that results in damage to the small intestine by interfering with the absorption of nutrients. Celiac Disease is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the culprit. Gluten is the common name for the offending proteins in specific cereal grains that are harmful to persons with CD.

Many people suffer from headaches, mouth ulcers, weight gain or weight loss, poor immunity to disease, and skin problems like dermatitis and eczema. But the common and well-known Gluten intolerance symptoms are gastro-intestinal (diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating etc.). Also associated are miscarriage and infertility and malabsorption problems like anaemia.

Originally considered a rare disease of childhood, celiac disease is now recognized as a common condition that may be diagnosed at any age. Recent studies have revealed an estimated average worldwide prevalence of 1 in 266 and a prevalence of 1 in 133 in the United States. This establishes celiac disease as one of the most common genetically based diseases that physicians will encounter. Because of lack of awareness, celiac disease is still vastly under diagnosed in the U.S.

The gold standard for diagnosis is the small intestinal biopsy, done during a procedure called endoscopy. The diagnosis is based on finding a series of abnormalities in an intestinal biopsy (increased inflammation and villous atrophy) that return toward normal on a gluten-free diet. As a follow up biopsy is not always necessary or performed, the combination of an abnormal biopsy and improvement of symptoms after gluten is eliminated from the diet is enough to establish the diagnosis.

There is currently no treatment for celiac disease apart from a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. A number of studies are underway at Columbia University and other research centers examining the mechanisms by which gluten causes damage to the intestine. It is only through research into the way that the immune system causes the intestinal damage that innovative therapies, apart from a gluten-free diet, will be devised.

Celiac support groups can provide essential information and support for individuals as they learn how to navigate the maze of eating, shopping for and living gluten-free while trying to maintain a normal lifestyle. Locate a support group in your area by contacting national celiac disease organizations or checking listings on the internet. There are also internet discussion groups, mailing lists, and forums that focus on celiac disease.

Untreated celiac disease can be life-threatening. Celiacs are more likely to be afflicted with problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis, tooth enamel defects, central and peripheral nervous system disease, pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, organ disorders (gall bladder, liver, and spleen), and gynecological disorders (like amenorrhea and spontaneous abortions). Fertility may also be affected.

There is no prescriptive drug celiacs can take to effect a cure. In fact, there is no cure, though there is every opportunity for celiacs to lead normal, healthy lives by following a diet that contains no gluten. This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, barley, oats, and a few other lesser-known grains.

Of the many immune related disorders linked with the celiac condition, the best established connection is with Type I diabetes (mellitus). Type I diabetes occurs at a rate of about 0.5% in the general population, but at a rate estimated at 5-10% among celiacs. Normally the diabetes is diagnosed first, both because this form of diabetes tends to strike early in life and its diagnosis is certain.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's can include significant lapses in memory, dramatic mood changes, emotional outbursts, inability to retain new information, difficulty performing familiar everyday tasks, impaired judgment, decision-making abilities and other cognitive functions, general disorientation and confusion, and overall personality change. The symptoms gradually develop and become progressively worse. Eventually, the person is unable to care for him/herself.

People with celiac disease experience marked intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and gas upon the consumption of foods that contain gluten, such as products made from wheat, oats, rye, and barley. Upon the elimination of gluten-containing foods, the symptoms disappear. Some people with IBS may experience an aggravation of symptoms with the consumption of similar wheat-related products and eliminating these products can help alleviate symptoms.

Yes. Among ethnic groups the highest prevalence is in a North African refugee population, followed by Ireland.

When the diagnosis is established in one family member, their first- degree relatives (parents, siblings and children) should have blood tests for celiac disease. This is because at least 10% of family members will have the disease, even if they are asymptomatic. Screening is also recommended for second-degree relatives (grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins) as they are also at an increased risk for celiac disease.

No, scientific data supports the link that children with ADHD, ADD, OCD, AUTISM, ASPERGERS, DYSLEXIA and many other learning disorders, often have food intolerances, many of which are gluten or wheat related.