Celiac disease damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Treatment is important because people with celiac disease could develop complications like cancer, osteoporosis, anemia, and seizures. A person with celiac disease may or may not have symptoms. Diagnosis involves blood tests and biopsy. Because celiac disease is hereditary, family members of a person with celiac disease may need to be tested.
Celiac disease is treated by eliminating all gluten from the diet.
The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement.