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Health library/Celiac Disease

Digestive health

Celiac Disease

Also known as: Celiac sprue, Gluten-sensitive enteropathy, Nontropical sprue

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine. It can interfere with nutrient absorption and affect parts of the body beyond the gut.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss or poor growth

Understanding care

Clinical care may include diagnostic testing and professionally supported nutritional management. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Seek review for persistent bowel changes, pain or weight loss. Severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood or marked dehydration needs urgent assessment.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Celiac Disease — First AID health library