Causes of Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Celiac Disease as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Celiac Disease. Our database lists the following as having Celiac Disease as a complication of that condition:

• Polyendocrine deficiency syndrome

Celiac Disease as a symptom:

Conditions listing Celiac Disease as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Celiac Disease. Our database lists the following as having Celiac Disease as a symptom of that condition:

• Anderson's triad
• Celiac disease - epilepsy - occipital calcifications
• Epilepsy occipital calcifications

What causes Celiac Disease?

Causes: Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is a genetic disease, meaning that it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered--or becomes active for the first time--after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress. (Source: excerpt from Celiac Disease: NIDDK)

What triggers Celiac Disease?

The following conditions are listed as possible triggers for Celiac Disease:

• Wheat
• Rye
• Barley
• Oats
• Millet

Medical news summaries relating to Celiac Disease:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Celiac Disease:

• Celiac disease more common than thought
• Commonly confused celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome treated by dietary changes
• More news »

Related information on causes of Celiac Disease:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Celiac Disease may be found in:

• Risk factors for Celiac Disease
• Hidden causes of Celiac Disease

Causes of Celiac Disease: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

In celiac disease, an intramucosal enzyme defect produces an inability to digest gluten. Resulting tissue toxicity produces rapid cell turnover, increases epithelial lymphocytes, and damages surface epithelium of the small bowel.

Celiac disease affects 1 of every 133 people in the United States and results from environmental factors and a genetic predisposition, but the exact mechanism is unknown. A strong association exists between the disease and two human leukocyte antigen haplotypes, DR3 and DQw2. It may also be autoimmune in nature. It affects twice as many females as males and occurs more commonly among relatives, especially siblings. This disease primarily affects whites and those of European ancestry.

Many diseases and conditions are associated with celiac disease, including:

❑ anemia

❑ lactose intolerance

❑ skin disorders such as dermatitis herpetiformis (a burning, itching, blistering rash)

❑ type 1 diabetes mellitus

❑ thyroid disease

❑ Down syndrome

❑ unexplained infertility or miscarriage

❑ osteoporosis or osteopenia

❑ autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Celiac Disease: Celiac Disease - risk factors
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

• Syndromes: Down, Turner, and Williams
• Selective IgA deficiency
• 1st-degree relatives of patients with CD:
  • Testing of at-risk groups should start around 3 years of age or earlier if they are symptomatic, as long as they have had a gluten-containing diet for 1 year.
  • Repeat testing may be needed for at-risk patients who have negative initial serology and are HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 positive.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008