Celiac Disease Resources (2024)

FAQs

What is the life expectancy of someone with celiac disease? ›

If celiac disease is properly managed, most people diagnosed with celiac disease can have a normal life expectancy. However, if celiac disease is not treated with a diet that is completely free of gluten, then the damage that is caused to the small intestine will continue and it could potentially be life threatening.

Regarding dose and route of administration, the literature showed that in celiac patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, oral administration of 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 until levels normalized, followed by daily gluten-free multi-vitamin/mineral supplementation with 500 mcg of vitamin B12 is effective [30].

For people with coeliac disease, even small amounts of gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine (bowel), which prevents the proper absorption of food nutrients. Inflammation also occurs elsewhere in the body. If you have coeliac disease, inflammation and damage can occur even if you have no symptoms.

Entero plans to initiate a phase 3 trial in the second half of 2024 to assess the drink-based study medication latiglutenase and its ability to relieve common symptoms suffered by celiac disease patients after accidental gluten exposure. Read more about Entero.

In the autumn and winter months, when sun exposure is reduced, a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D should be considered.

Since gluten-free cereal products have a lower magnesium content as compared with gluten-containing counterparts, a magnesium-enriched diet should be encouraged in CD patients.

Micronutrient deficiencies (in particular, iron, folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin D, copper, and zinc) are common in celiac patients. If untreated, these micronutrient deficiencies can contribute to neurological complications, psychiatric symptoms, and bone alterations.

Of course, stage four is the most advanced stage and is not seen too often. In this stage, Orlando Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida see the villi are completely flattened, or atrophied. The crypts, or depressions, between them are shrunken too.

The intestines make up most of the middle and lower abdomen, so “gluten belly” will look like any other type of lower digestive tract bloating. However, if bloating seems to be a regular or constant problem, that's a possible sign that it may be due to gluten intolerance.

Celiac disease is caused by specific genes, eating gluten, and possibly by some other triggers such as childbirth, surgery, stress, or other autoimmune disorders. However, medical science is still working to understand the roles of these potential causal factors.

What can I take to help with celiac disease? ›

If your small intestine is severely damaged or you have refractory celiac disease, steroids may be recommended to control inflammation. Steroids can ease severe symptoms of celiac disease while the intestine heals. Other drugs, such as azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) or budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris), might be used.

Contact your state coeliac organisation for advice and ongoing support by calling 1300 458 836.

The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. This means avoiding foods and beverages that gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye).

Celiac disease is considered a disability, if your child attends a public or charter school they have the right to have a 504 plan that lists accommodations specific to their disability. Accommodations are based on each individual's unique needs and should be decided with parent and student input.