Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers inflammation that damages the small intestine’s lining, interfering with nutrient absorption.
At The Gastroenterology Group, our specialists in Akron and Massillon provide expert diagnosis and management for celiac disease to help patients restore their digestive health and improve overall quality of life.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is not a food allergy or simple intolerance — it’s a genetic autoimmune condition. When gluten is consumed, the immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestinal lining, damaging the villi (tiny, fingerlike projections that absorb nutrients).
Both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Individuals with a family history of celiac disease or other autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease, are at higher risk.
Common Symptoms
Celiac disease can affect nearly every system in the body, and symptoms may vary widely from person to person.
Digestive symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Gas and nausea
- Weight loss or poor growth in children
Non-digestive symptoms may include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Anemia (iron or vitamin deficiency)
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Bone or joint pain
- Infertility or menstrual irregularities
- Numbness, tingling, or headaches
Because symptoms are diverse, celiac disease is often underdiagnosed — making medical evaluation essential.
Diagnosis at The Gastroenterology Group
Our specialists diagnose celiac disease using a combination of:
- Blood tests to detect antibodies associated with gluten sensitivity (such as tTG-IgA)
- Endoscopy with small bowel biopsy, the gold standard for confirming intestinal damage
- Genetic testing, when necessary, to evaluate risk factors
Important: Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing, as it can interfere with accurate results.
Treatment and Long-Term Management
The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend:
- Nutritional counseling to learn how to avoid gluten safely
- Supplements to correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Follow-up testing to monitor intestinal healing and symptom improvement
With proper management, most patients experience complete recovery of intestinal function and overall well-being.
Q&A: Living with Celiac Disease
Q: Is celiac disease the same as gluten sensitivity?
A: No. Gluten sensitivity can cause symptoms similar to celiac disease but does not cause intestinal damage or trigger an autoimmune response.
Q: Can children outgrow celiac disease?
A: No. Celiac disease is lifelong. However, symptoms and severity may vary throughout life.
Q: How strict does a gluten-free diet need to be?
A: Completely strict — even small amounts of gluten from cross-contamination (e.g., shared utensils or toasters) can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage.
Q: What happens if celiac disease is left untreated?
A: Untreated celiac disease can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Contact The Gastroenterology Group
Akron Location
570 White Pond Dr., Suite 200
Akron, OH 44320
📞 Phone: 330-869-0954
Massillon Location
6724 Wales Ave NW
Massillon, OH 44646
📞 Phone: 330-869-0954
If you suspect you may have celiac disease or continue to experience unexplained digestive symptoms, contact The Gastroenterology Group. Our team offers comprehensive evaluation, testing, and lifelong support for gluten-related disorders.