Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by a reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. For individuals with celiac disease, eating gluten causes an immune response in the small intestine that over time damages the lining of the small intestine and keeps nutrients from being absorbed.

While there isn’t a cure for celiac disease, management of symptoms is possible by following a strict gluten-free diet.

For more information on this condition:  

• Celiac Disease Foundation: celiac.org
• American College of Gastroenterology: patients.gi.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and digestive and Kidney Diseases: niddk.nih.gov
• American Gastroenterological Association: gastro.org