celiac.nih.govCeliac Disease | NIDDK

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Follow Us About NIDDK Expand About NIDDK Meet the Director Offices & Divisions Staff Directory Budget & Legislative Information Advisory & Coordinating Committees Strategic Plans & Reports Research Areas FAQs Jobs at NIDDK Visit Us Home Health Information Digestive Diseases Celiac Disease English English Español Related Topics Digestive Diseases Abdominal Adhesions Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults Definition & Facts Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis Treatment Eating, Diet, & Nutrition Clinical Trials Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Children & Teens Definition & Facts Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis Treatment Eating, Diet, & Nutrition Clinical Trials Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants Definition & Facts Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis Treatment Eating, Diet, & Nutrition Clinical Trials Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract About the Lower GI Tract Anorectal Malformations (Imperforate Anus) Colonic Atresia & Stenosis Malrotation Intussusception Colonic & Anorectal Fistulas Rectal Prolapse Colonic 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intestine. People with celiac disease cannot eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The disease can cause long-term digestive problems and keep you from getting nutrients you need. Symptoms & Causes If you have celiac disease, you may experience digestive symptoms or symptoms in other parts of your body. Digestive symptoms are more common in children than adults. Some people with celiac disease have no symptoms. Diagnosis Your doctor may diagnose celiac disease with a medical and family history, a physical exam, blood tests, an intestinal biopsy, a skin biopsy, and genetic tests. Doctors in the United Stated do not routinely screen people for celiac disease. Treatment Doctors treat celiac disease by prescribing a gluten-free diet. Symptoms significantly improve for most people with celiac disease who follow a gluten-free diet. A dietitian can teach you how to avoid gluten while following a healthy and nutritious diet. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition Eating, diet, and nutrition play a major role in treating celiac disease. You should maintain a gluten-free diet by avoiding all products that contain gluten. You can maintain a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods that do not include gluten. Clinical Trials The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions. Related Conditions & Diseases Dental Enamel Defects Dermatitis Herpetiformis Reproductive Problems Osteoporosis R...