It is an inherited disorder. The onset of the disease has no age or sex restriction. Medical cases are available showing celiac disease developing in infants after the introduction of grains and in mature adults who consumed grains for many years. Various trigger factors have been reported. Some appear to have celiac disease triggered by the trauma of surgery.
Women often develop symptoms after delivering a baby.
Some celiacs report having a virus infection, which never recovers. The 'virus infection' continues for weeks until it is diagnosis as celiac disease. Severe psychological stress has also been reported as a trigger factor. Divorce, death of a loved one, or loss of a job can occur in proximity to the onset of the disorder. Although symptoms vary widely, the most common manifestations are chronic iron-deficiency anemia, which is not corrected by iron therapy, chronic fatigue, and weakness.