Celiac Disease

Overview

At Mayo Clinic, specialists from different medical specialties work together to diagnose and develop treatment plans for hundreds of adults and children who have celiac disease. With the help of Mayo pathologists, Mayo Clinic is able to accurately diagnose and treat many complex celiac disease cases.

Patients with celiac disease usually see a physician in gastroenterology and hepatology for diagnosis and a dietitian for a diet plan. Patients with complicated cases may be referred to other specialists, including in endocrinology, neurology or hematology. Children are seen by pediatric specialists in each area.

Diagnosis

There are no typical signs and symptoms of celiac disease and many patients have no symptoms. In many cases, celiac disease is misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, as symptoms are confused with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers or nervous conditions. Celiac disease is diagnosed through blood tests and samples of your intestine tissue. Read more about celiac disease diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Celiac disease has no cure, but it can be effectively managed by avoiding foods containing gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye). After gluten is eliminated from the diet, the small intestine begins to heal. Mayo doctors and dietitians will recommend appropriate diet choices and supplements. Read more about celiac disease treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Celiac Disease

People with celiac disease are allergic to proteins (glutens) found in wheat, barley and rye grains. In these people glutens stimulate an immune reaction in the small intestine, which causes an inability to absorb certain nutrients from food.

The treatment is to avoid foods containing glutens. Untreated, celiac disease can cause many medical complications. However, when a diet plan is implemented, patients can experience almost complete reversal of symptoms and complications from the disease.

Approximately 3 million Americans are affected by celiac disease (about 1 in 100 people), making it almost as prevalent as type I diabetes. Celiac disease is more common in people of European descent and in people with disorders caused by a reaction of the immune system (autoimmune disorders), such as type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Celiac disease can affect multiple members of the same family.

Read more at
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