Celiac Disease Specialists in West Bengal
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune reaction that damages the l…
Health Conditions A–Z
LabDekho500+ Diseases & Conditions Explained
Understand symptoms, causes, treatment options and prevention for hundreds of conditions — written for patients, reviewed for accuracy.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage flattens the finger-like projections called villi that are responsible for absorbing nutrients, leading to malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients even when food intake appears adequate. Celiac disease can present at any age with a wide range of symptoms, from classic digestive complaints to subtler signs such as unexplained anaemia, fatigue, or infertility, making diagnosis sometimes challenging. The condition is genetically linked and tends to run in families, though not everyone with the genetic predisposition develops the disease. Strict, lifelong avoidance of gluten is currently the only effective treatment, allowing the intestinal lining to heal and symptoms to resolve.
Moderate
Uncommon but likely underdiagnosed — increasingly recognised in India, particularly in wheat-consuming northern regions
No
Causes of Celiac Disease
Caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, in which the immune system attacks the small intestine's lining upon exposure to gluten-containing foods. Specific genetic markers are strongly associated with the condition, and having a first-degree relative with celiac disease significantly increases risk. The exact trigger for the disease to become active in a genetically susceptible person, sometimes occurring after an infection, surgery, or significant stress, is not fully understood.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal bloating and pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anaemia, bone or joint pain, skin rash, in children failure to grow or gain weight appropriately
Treatment & Types of Celiac Disease in West Bengal
The only effective treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the intestinal lining to heal over time and resolves most symptoms. Nutritional supplementation may be needed initially to correct deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients caused by malabsorption. Regular follow-up with a dietitian and periodic monitoring help ensure the diet is being followed correctly and that the intestine is healing as expected.
Celiac disease presentations are generally described as classic (predominant digestive symptoms like diarrhoea and bloating), non-classic or atypical (subtler signs such as unexplained anaemia, fatigue, or infertility without prominent gut symptoms), silent (detected only through screening in someone with no symptoms), and potential celiac disease (positive antibodies and genetic markers but no intestinal damage yet on biopsy).
Gastroenterology Specialists in West Bengal (0)
No specialists listed yet in West Bengal — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is celiac disease the same as a gluten intolerance?
No, celiac disease is a specific autoimmune condition that damages the intestinal lining upon gluten exposure, whereas non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms without the same immune-mediated intestinal damage.
Can celiac disease be cured?
There's no cure, but a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet allows the intestinal lining to heal and resolves symptoms in most people.
Is celiac disease hereditary?
Yes, it's genetically linked and tends to run in families, so first-degree relatives of someone diagnosed are often advised to be screened.
What happens if I accidentally eat gluten?
Occasional accidental exposure can trigger digestive symptoms and gradual intestinal damage over time, so consistent avoidance, with a dietitian's guidance, is important.
Why did I develop anaemia instead of stomach symptoms?
Celiac disease can present with malabsorption-related issues like iron deficiency anaemia even without classic digestive complaints, which is why unexplained anaemia sometimes prompts celiac testing.