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Celiac Disease: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents


What Is Celiac Disease?

What Are The Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults?

What Are The Diegrees of Intestinal Damage?

Delicious and Healthy Gluten-Free Eating

Celiac Disease and Social Life

Gluten-Free Recipes

Celiac Disease and Other Illnesses or Conditions

Sources of Information on Celiac Disease

What Is Celiac Disease?


Celiac disease is the most common chronic intestinal disorder. It generally affects people who are genetically predisposed. It is a systemic autoimmune condition involving a permanent intolerance to gluten in food. Gluten is a protein found in many foods such as wheat, oats, barley, and rye—hence the well-known acronym TACC (from the Spanish names of those grains).

If a person with this condition consumes gluten, it immediately damages the lining of the small intestine, making it harder for the intestinal walls to properly absorb nutrients, which leads to various symptoms.

The disease can appear at any time in life after a triggering factor. Although once thought to be a childhood illness, it is now known to occur in both children and adults.

International Celiac Disease Day

May 5 is recognized as International Celiac Disease Day. The aim is to raise awareness and promote solutions for those affected. According to Argentina’s Ministry of Health, about 1 in every 100 people in the country has celiac disease.

The initiative began at a European medical congress, with an Argentine among the pioneers. Although May 5 is the official date, public organizations, associations, and brands hold activities throughout the month.

When Was Celiac Disease Discovered?

The first known description dates back to the 1st century CE by the physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia, who documented symptoms such as fatty diarrhea, weight loss, paleness, and chronic diarrhea.

In 1888 Samuel Gee presented a clear clinical report describing the condition in both children and adults.

The major breakthrough came in 1945 when Dutch pediatrician Willem-Karel Dicke proposed that the health of celiac children improved dramatically when gluten was removed from their diet. His work paved the way for further research.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

In Adults (symptoms vary and some people may have none):

  • Weight loss
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Malnutrition
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Anemia
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Short stature
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fatigue
  • Tooth enamel defects
  • Brittle nails

In Children (not all will show every sign):

  • Fragile hair
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Tooth enamel defects
  • Abdominal bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
  • Muscle hypertrophy
  • Growth delay
  • Short stature
  • Weakness, irritability, fatigue
  • Anemia, easy bruising
  • Weight loss
  • Malnutrition

Diagnosis

It is estimated that for every person diagnosed, eight remain undetected—often because they are asymptomatic or doctors do not suspect celiac disease.

Diagnosis involves:

  1. Clinical consultation (symptoms or family history)
  2. Blood tests for antibodies (serology)
  3. Genetic testing for predisposition
  4. Duodenal biopsy to examine intestinal tissue

Degrees of Intestinal Damage

Only intestinal damage is graded (A, B, C), representing partial, subtotal, or total atrophy of the small-intestinal villi. Severity of symptoms does not necessarily match the degree of damage.

Recovery Time & Treatment

With a strict gluten-free diet, intestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea typically disappear within 15–20 days. Antibody levels usually normalize within a year. Children’s intestines often heal fully within a year, while adults may take longer.

The only treatment is a lifelong, completely gluten-free diet. Following it allows the intestinal lining to heal and symptoms to resolve.

Living Gluten-Free

A gluten-free diet is not a trend for celiacs—it is essential. There is no way to prevent the disease, but treatment enables a safe and healthy life. A nutritionist can help design a balanced plan to avoid deficiencies.

Delicious and Healthy Gluten-Free Eating

Going gluten-free can be an opportunity to adopt a more wholesome diet that includes natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, rice or almond flour, lentils, and soy.

Social Life and Celiac Disease

Newly diagnosed patients may feel embarrassed or worried about eating out. However, maintaining a social life is important for mental and physical health.

Tips:

  • Choose certified gluten-free foods
  • Inform hosts or restaurants in advance
  • Separate gluten-free and gluten foods at events
  • Clearly label dishes to avoid cross-contamination

Traveling Safely

Inform hotels and restaurants of your condition. When traveling abroad, consult the local celiac association for updated product lists and approved certification symbols.

Gluten-Free Recipes

A gluten-free diet can be varied and delicious—covering breakfasts, snacks, main dishes, breads, and pastas.

Numerous chefs, bloggers, and influencers share recipes and live cooking sessions. Free e-books with more than 150 sweet and savory gluten-free recipes are also available.

Celiac Disease and Other Conditions

Celiac disease may coexist with diabetes, lactose intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Untreated celiac disease increases the risk of more serious illnesses, so early diagnosis and strict adherence to the diet are crucial.

Sources of Information

Always start with your doctor or nutrition specialist. Use reputable organizations such as the Asociación Celíaca Argentina and official health websites for accurate, up-to-date guidance.