What Is Celiac Disease?

 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten — a protein in wheat, barley, and rye — that causes the immune system to attack the small intestine, damaging the absorptive villi and leading to nutrient malabsorption. It affects approximately 1 in 100 people and remains significantly underdiagnosed.

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Symptoms of Celiac Disease​​

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• Chronic diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain

• Fatigue and brain fog ('celiac fog')

• Iron deficiency anemia unresponsive to supplementation

• Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive in children

• Bone loss (osteoporosis/osteopenia)

• Dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy, blistering skin rash)

• Elevated liver enzymes

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Diagnosis​

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Diagnosis requires serologic testing (tTG-IgA antibodies) while the patient is still consuming gluten, followed by upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsy to confirm villous atrophy. Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing — it will falsely normalize results.

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Treatment and Followup​

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The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Our physicians work with patients on dietary education and monitor for nutritional recovery. Some patients benefit from nutritionist referral through our integrated nutrition program.​

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Schedule an Celiac Disease Evaluation in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online