🌾 Celiac Disease

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is celiac disease?

🧠 Celiac disease is a condition where your body reacts badly to gluten.

🌾 Gluten is a protein found in:

• Wheat

• Barley

• Rye

When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their small intestine gets hurt.

❓ Is celiac disease an allergy?

❌ No.
It is an immune problem, not a food allergy.

❓ What happens inside my body?

When the intestine is damaged, it cannot absorb food well.

❓ What symptoms can celiac disease cause?

You may have:

• 💩 Chronic diarrhea

• 🤰 Belly pain or bloating

• 😖 Stomach cramps

• 😴 Feeling tired

• ⚖️ Weight loss

Some people have mild or no symptoms.

🌊 Celiac Disease and Chronic Diarrhea

❓ Why does celiac disease cause diarrhea?

💩 When the intestine is damaged, it cannot absorb water and nutrients well.
This can cause loose or watery stools.

🌿 Celiac Disease and IBS

❓ Can celiac disease look like IBS?

✅ Yes.

Many people with celiac disease have:

• Belly pain

• Bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation

👉 This is why people with IBS symptoms are often tested for celiac disease.

🤰 Celiac Disease and Abdominal Pain

❓ Why does celiac disease cause belly pain?

😣 Inflammation in the intestine can cause:

• Cramping

• Gas

• Pain after eating

❓ How is celiac disease diagnosed?

🩺 Doctors use:

• 🧪 Blood tests

• 🔍 A small bowel biopsy during endoscopy

⚠️ You must be eating gluten during testing.

❓ How is celiac disease treated?

🚫🌾 The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.

This means no:

• Bread

• Pasta

• Cakes

• Beer

❓ What foods are safe?

✅ Gluten-free foods include:

• 🍚 Rice

• 🥔 Potatoes

• 🍎 Fruits

• 🥩 Meat

• 🥚 Eggs

Always check food labels.

❓ How long does it take to feel better?

⏳ Many people feel better in weeks, but healing may take months.

❓ What happens if celiac disease is not treated?

⚠️ Untreated celiac disease can cause:

• Poor growth

• Vitamin problems

• Weak bones

• Ongoing pain and diarrhea

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 See your doctor if you have:

• Chronic diarrhea

• Ongoing belly pain

• Weight loss

• IBS symptoms that do not improve

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Celiac disease is lifelong
✅ It is treatable with a gluten-free diet
⚠️ Do not stop gluten before testing