Celiac is an autoimmune disorder. Once a person has it, they will have it for the rest of their lives.
15. VERY COMMON Getty Images Celiac disease is one of the most common autoimmune disorders today.
14. HEREDITARY Getty Images Celiac is heredity meaning it is passed down through generations. If one of your parents or a family member has it, you are more likely to get it.
13. GLUTEN IS EVERYWHERE Getty Images Gluten is not just for food, it is also in vitamins, makeup, toothpaste, and adhesives.
12. NO CURE Getty Images There is no cure for Celiac disease, the only treatment is a gluten-free diet for the rest of your life.
11. DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS Getty Images 20% to 25% of people with Celiac will get this rash. It is very itchy and painful.
10. CHILDREN Getty Images Celiac affects children. About every 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with the disease.
9. DAMAGE TO SMALL INTESTINES Getty Images If a person diagnosed with Celiac disease continues to eat gluten, they risk permanently damaging their small intestines.
8. SYMPTOMS SHOW UP AT ANYTIME Getty Images There is really no onset stage of Celiac symptoms. They can show up anytime, from childhood into adulthood.
7. SYMPTOMS Getty Images Commons symptoms of Celiac disease include fatigue, joint pain, headache, rash, and stomach pain. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
6. BLOOD TEST Getty Images A blood test can tell for certain if you have Celiac disease. If a family member has it, you should probably get tested for it.
5. UNDIAGNOSED OR MISDIAGNOSED Getty Images It is estimated that 90% of those with Celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
4. TESTING Getty Images If you test negative for Celiac disease but show signs of it later on, get tested again. You can have a false negative test.
3. CAUSE Getty Images The actual cause of Celiac disease is not known. Scientists are still researching it.
2. CAN’T OUTGROW IT Getty Images If your child is diagnosed with Celiac disease, they will have it forever. It can’t be outgrown.
1. NUTRIENTS Getty Images People with Celiac disease may not be absorbing nutrition properly because of damage to their intestines.