How do you test for celiac disease?

Common tests for celiac disease include blood tests and biopsies of your small intestine or skin. Blood tests check for antibodies that can indicate an overactive immune response. A genetic test can confirm if you carry genes linked to celiac disease, but it does not diagnose the condition.

How common is celiac disease?

Celiac disease affects around 1% of the population. Nearly three million people in the United States are living with the disease, but it is often undiagnosed.

Is celiac disease an autoimmune disease?

Yes. Celiac disease is considered an autoimmune disease in which the immune system overreacts to gluten and mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the small intestine.

Can celiac disease go away?

Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. If you have been diagnosed, you will need to follow a gluten-free diet for life. Most people can manage their condition effectively by changing their diet.

What does celiac disease feel like?

Symptoms vary. Classic celiac disease may cause stomach pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, along with fatigue, low energy, and itchy skin. Some people do not experience gastrointestinal symptoms, and others may have no symptoms at all.

Can you develop celiac disease later in life?

Yes. Celiac disease can develop in adulthood, even if you previously ate gluten without issues. Genetics, illness, stress, or other factors may play a role. Talk to your doctor if you notice new digestive symptoms or suspect gluten sensitivity.

Is celiac disease genetic?

Yes. Celiac disease is hereditary. People with a first-degree relative (parent, child, or sibling) with celiac disease have about a 1 in 10 risk of developing the condition.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease symptoms

Celiac disease can affect your whole body and has been associated with around 300 symptoms, which can develop at any age after you start eating gluten. Symptoms will vary from one person to another. Some tend to affect young children or adolescents, while others affect older adults.

Common symptoms of celiac disease include:

Abdominal pain
Anemia (due to low iron levels)
Anxiety or depression
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
Bloating
Bone or joint pain
Constipation
Damaged tooth enamel
Delayed puberty in teenagers
Developmental delay in children
Diarrhea
Failing to grow or gain weight in babies and children
Fatigue
Fretfulness or irritation in babies
Hair loss
Low bone density or osteoporosis
Missed menstrual periods in women
Mouth ulcers and sores
Overweight or obesity in infants and children
Weight loss

Around 15% of people with celiac disease develop dermatitis herpetiformis, a long-lasting skin condition also known as “gluten rash” or “celiac rash.” It’s caused by the same gluten antibodies that harm the small intestine. The rash is very itchy and usually shows up as clusters of small bumps or blisters, often on the elbows, knees, buttocks or scalp.

Celiac disease risk factors

Anyone can develop celiac disease, and you can start to have symptoms at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop the disease. Risk factors include:

Autoimmune disorder: If you have another autoimmune disorder, such as Type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease or multiple sclerosis, you are more at risk.
Chromosomal disorders: You are more likely to be affected if you have Down syndrome, Turner syndrome or Williams syndrome.
Race and ethnicity: In the US, Celiac disease is more common among white people than those from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Family history: You have around a 1 in 10 chance of developing celiac disease if a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) has the disease.
Infection: Viral infections can sometimes trigger autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease.
Pregnancy and childbirth: Some women find symptoms develop or get worse after giving birth. This could be linked to stress.
Sex: More women than men have celiac disease.

Celiac disease complications

If you have celiac disease, your body may not get all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. This can increase your chance of developing other health conditions. In some cases, your small intestine becomes so severely damaged that it cannot absorb the nutrients you need even when following a gluten-free diet.

Complications of celiac disease include:

Anemia: Often caused by an iron deficiency, anemia occurs when your body does not produce enough red blood cells.
Cancer of the small intestine: Celiac disease increases your risk for this rare form of cancer.
Infertility or reproductive issues: Studies suggest a link between celiac disease and reproductive problems and pregnancy complications.
Liver damage: In some people, celiac disease can lead to liver injury or liver failure without a clear cause, a condition which may be classified as cryptogenic cirrhosis.
Osteoporosis: People with celiac disease often lack vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D. Osteoporosis can develop if you don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Getting an accurate diagnosis for celiac disease involves several steps. Your doctor will look at your health history, symptoms, and use specific tests to confirm whether gluten is causing your symptoms.

Together, these steps help your healthcare team confirm a diagnosis of celiac disease or rule it out. Getting a proper diagnosis is important for managing your symptoms, preventing complications, and improving your overall health with the right treatment plan.

Medical history and exam

Your doctor will begin by discussing your personal health history as well as your family’s medical background. It’s important to share if any close relatives have celiac disease or other autoimmune conditions, as this increases your risk. Your doctor will also ask detailed questions about your symptoms, your current diet, and how your symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and overall quality of life.

During the physical exam, your doctor will check for physical signs of celiac disease, such as tenderness in your abdomen, skin rashes, or other signs of irritation. They will also measure your weight and height to assess if you’ve experienced any unexplained weight loss or growth issues that could be linked to malabsorption.
Blood tests
Blood tests are an important part of finding out if you have celiac disease. These tests look for antibodies, which are proteins your immune system makes when it reacts to gluten:
- tTG-IgA (tissue transglutaminase antibody): This is the main screening test. High levels suggest your immune system is reacting to gluten.
- EMA-IgA (endomysial antibody): This test is very specific for celiac disease and usually confirms positive tTG results.
- DGP-IgA and DGP-IgG (deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies): These tests are often used for children under 2 or when other tests give unclear results.
- Total serum IgA: Some people have low IgA levels, which can affect test results. This test checks for that deficiency to ensure accuracy.
- Genetic testing: This test checks for genes commonly found in people with celiac disease (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8). While it cannot diagnose celiac disease on its own, a negative result makes celiac disease very unlikely.
The gluten challenge

If you’ve already started a gluten-free diet before being tested, your results may not be accurate. In this case, your doctor may ask you to go through a “gluten challenge,” which means eating gluten-containing foods regularly for a few weeks before testing. This allows your immune system and intestines to react, making tests more reliable.

Your doctor will guide you on how much gluten to eat and for how long to minimize discomfort and risks.
Biopsy
A biopsy helps confirm a celiac disease diagnosis by checking for damage caused by your body’s immune response to gluten. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or both types of biopsy below.
- Endoscopy with biopsy: If blood test results suggest celiac disease, your doctor may recommend an upper GI endoscopy. This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera to look inside your digestive tract. Your doctor will guide the scope through your mouth into your stomach and small intestine. Small tissue samples are taken from the lining of your small intestine and sent to a lab to look for signs of damage. Damage to the tiny finger-like projections in your intestine called villi is a common sign of celiac disease.
- Skin biopsy: If you have a recurring itchy rash, your doctor may recommend a skin biopsy to check for dermatitis herpetiformis. This condition is linked to celiac disease and is caused by the same immune reaction to gluten. During the biopsy, a small sample of skin near the rash is removed and checked for a specific buildup of antibodies. This test can help confirm a diagnosis when paired with your symptoms and other test results.

Celiac disease treatment

Living with celiac disease means making important lifestyle changes and staying vigilant about your health. Since celiac disease causes your immune system to react to gluten, the main treatment is to avoid gluten completely. This helps prevent damage to your small intestine and eases symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea and fatigue.

Treatment also involves managing any related health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies or skin conditions. With the right diet, medication and ongoing care, many people with celiac disease lead healthy, active lives. Your healthcare team will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and help you understand how to live well with celiac disease every day.

Lifestyle changes

The only way to manage celiac disease is to eliminate gluten from your diet. This can relieve your symptoms and help your small intestine heal. Your doctor might refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you plan balanced meals and get the nutrients you need.

Read labels carefully and watch out for products containing gluten, including food, supplements, drinks and cosmetics. A wide range of products are labeled gluten-free, which means they contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. That level is generally safe to eat if you have celiac disease, but monitor your symptoms to be sure even small amounts are suitable.

If you struggle with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, make sure you eat enough fiber and drink plenty of water.

Your doctor can advise you about support groups in your area. This can be a good way to connect, share experiences and combat isolation.

Medication

There is no medication for celiac disease that can replace a strict gluten-free diet. However, your doctor can prescribe medications and supplements to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and treat nutritional deficiencies or related conditions.

Medications your doctor may prescribe include:

Antibiotics: These are commonly prescribed in pill or gel form to treat dermatitis. Other options are sulfapyridine and other sulfonamide drugs.
Bone-building medications: Celiac disease can result in loss of bone density, so your doctor might recommend bisphosphonates or other medications to manage your risk for osteoporosis.
Immunosuppressants: These work by preventing the immune system from overreacting. Your doctor may recommend them if you have refractory celiac disease.

Vitamins and dietary supplements

Because celiac disease damages your small intestine, it can make it harder for your body to absorb important nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin D and B vitamins. This can lead to deficiencies that cause symptoms like fatigue, bone weakness or anemia. To help, your doctor may recommend taking vitamin and mineral supplements. These supplements can fill in the gaps and support your overall health while your intestine heals.

It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting any supplements, so they can recommend the right types and doses for you. Taking too much of certain vitamins can sometimes cause side effects. Your doctor might also order blood tests to check your nutrient levels and adjust supplements as needed.

Ongoing care

Managing celiac disease is a long-term process that requires regular follow-up with your healthcare team. Even after switching to a gluten-free diet, your doctor will want to monitor your progress and overall health. This usually involves regular checkups and blood tests to make sure your intestine is healing and your nutrient levels are improving.

Ongoing care can also help catch any complications early, such as other autoimmune conditions or bone thinning. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan if your symptoms change or if you develop new health concerns.

Staying connected with your healthcare team, including your doctor and dietitian, helps keep you on track and supports a healthier life with celiac disease.

Find specialized care for celiac disease

At Baylor Scott & White, we offer several locations for the treatment of celiac disease, including gastroenterology centers across North and Central Texas. Our experienced team is ready to provide care to help improve your quality of life. Whether you're seeking a diagnosis or require ongoing support, we're here to support you.

Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiac Imaging Specialists

1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093

Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Specialists - Fort Worth

1250 8th Ave Ste 200, Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Directions

Call 817.912.8270

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Lung Disease Specialists - Dallas

3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246

Directions

Call 214.820.6856

Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Directions

Call 817.926.2544

Baylor Scott & White Ambulatory Endoscopy Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 210, Plano, TX, 75093

Directions

Call 469.800.6021

Monday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Frequently asked questions

How do you test for celiac disease?

Common tests for celiac disease are blood tests and biopsies of your small intestine or skin. Your blood will be tested for antibodies, which can indicate an overreactive immune response. A genetic test can confirm if you have genes linked to celiac disease, but not if you have it.
How common is celiac disease?

Celiac disease affects around 1% of the population. Almost three million people in the United States are living with the disease. However, the condition is often undiagnosed.
Is celiac disease an autoimmune disease?

Celiac disease is considered an autoimmune disease. Your immune system overreacts to a protein in gluten and mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your small intestine.
Can celiac disease go away?

Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. If you have been diagnosed, you will have to follow a gluten-free diet for the rest of your life. Most people can manage their condition effectively by changing their diet.
What does celiac disease feel like?

Celiac disease feels different based on your symptoms. The classic disease causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea and other symptoms. You might also feel tired more easily, lack energy and have itchy skin.

However, some people do not experience GI symptoms, and others do not have any symptoms at all.
Can you develop celiac disease later in life?

Yes, celiac disease can develop later in life. Even if you’ve eaten gluten without issues before, symptoms can show up in adulthood due to genetics, illness or stress, or better medical awareness. Talk to your doctor if you notice new digestive symptoms or suspect gluten sensitivity.
Is celiac disease genetic?

Yes, celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease, such as a parent, child or sibling, have a one in 10 risk of developing celiac disease.

Expert advice from our blog

Scrubbing In® is a place where hands-on healthcare discussions are happening every day with the people whose own hands are on the front lines of patient care—the doctors, nurses and medical staff who are saving lives and advancing medicine.

How we reviewed this page

Last medically reviewed on July 14, 2025

Current version

July 14, 2025
Written by:
Joseph Kim, MD

Celiac Disease

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease symptoms

When to see a doctor

What causes celiac disease?

Celiac disease risk factors

Celiac disease complications

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Celiac disease treatment

Lifestyle changes

Medication

Vitamins and dietary supplements

Ongoing care

Find specialized care for celiac disease

AccentCare - Fort Worth

3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107

AccentCare Home Health of Brenham

526 W Main St , Brenham, TX, 77833

AccentCare Home Health of College Station

119 Medical Park Lane Ste C, Huntsville, TX, 77340

AccentCare Home Health of College Station

1605 Rock Prairie Rd Ste 206, College Station, TX, 77845

AccentCare Home Health Of Denton

225 W. Mulberry St. Ste A, Denton, TX, 76201

AccentCare Home Health Of Desoto

911 York Drive Ste 203, DeSoto, TX, 75115

AccentCare Home Health Of Fort Worth (Arlington)

700 Highlander Blvd Ste 205, Arlington, TX, 76015

AccentCare Home Health of Huntsville

122 Medical Park Lane B , Huntsville, TX, 77340

AccentCare Home Health of Marble Falls

1100 Mission Hills Dr Ste 100, Marble Falls, TX, 78654

AccentCare Home Health Of McKinney

6800 Weiskopf Ave Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75070

AccentCare Home Health Of Taylor (Hutto)

567 Chris Kelley Blvd Ste 201, Hutto, TX, 78634

AccentCare Home Health Of Temple

3809 S General Bruce Dr Ste 105B, Temple, TX, 76502

AccentCare Home Health Of Waco

8300 Central Park Dr Ste A, Waco, TX, 76712

AdventHealth Central Texas

2201 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549

Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest Infectious Disease Clinic

50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd MOB1, Ste 104, Waco, TX, 76712

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute

900 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845

Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute - Huntsville

122 Medical Park Ln Ste A, Huntsville, TX, 77340

Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic

600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833

Baylor Scott & White 65+ Clinic

4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 500, Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiac Imaging Specialists

1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiovascular and Imaging Consultants

4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care

3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Center - Fort Worth

1420 8th Ave Ste 103, Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna

450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Decatur

2401 S FM 51 Ste 200, Decatur, TX, 76234

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Denton

3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK

4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Keller (Satellite)

3124 N Tarrant Pkwy Ste 204, Keller, TX, 76177

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - McKinney (Satellite)

5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75482

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)

1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris

875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462