Celiac Disease

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune condition affecting approximately 1% of the population globally, though many cases remain undiagnosed. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — their immune system attacks the villi of the small intestine, the finger-like projections responsible for nutrient absorption. This leads to inflammation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption. The only effective treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Awareness of celiac disease in the UAE has been increasing, and gluten-free products are now widely available across the country.

Symptoms

• ●Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• ●Abdominal bloating and pain
• ●Unexplained weight loss
• ●Fatigue and weakness
• ●Iron deficiency anemia unresponsive to supplements
• ●Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• ●Joint pain

What Causes Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes are present in nearly all affected individuals. Environmental triggers such as gastrointestinal infections, gut microbiome changes, and early introduction of gluten in infancy may contribute to disease onset.

Risk Factors

• ⚠First-degree relative with celiac disease
• ⚠Other autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease
• ⚠Having HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 gene variants
• ⚠Down syndrome or Turner syndrome

How to Prevent Celiac Disease

Celiac disease cannot be prevented as it is genetic. However, early diagnosis and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet can prevent complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, and intestinal lymphoma. Screening family members of diagnosed patients is strongly recommended.

When to Get Tested

Get tested if you have chronic digestive symptoms, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, or a family history of celiac disease. Testing must be done while still consuming gluten.

References & Sources

• [1]
  Mayo Clinic — Celiac DiseaseAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [2]
  NHS — Coeliac DiseaseAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [3]
  Cleveland Clinic — Celiac DiseaseAccessed: 2026-02-24