Celiac disease - sprue Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Removing all damaging grains from the diet is the most important measure you can take to become healthy. If you follow the diet strictly, you can expect to lead a long, healthy life -- if permanent damage did not occur before diagnosis.

Complications

You must carefully and continuously follow the gluten-free diet. When untreated, the disease can cause life-threatening complications.

Delaying diagnosis or not following the diet puts you at risk for related conditions such as:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain types of intestinal cancer
• Fractures
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Osteoporosis

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of celiac disease.

Prevention

Because the exact cause is unknown, there is no known way to prevent the development of celiac disease. However, being aware of the risk factors (such as having a family member with the disorder) may increase your chances of early diagnosis, treatment, and a long, healthy life.

References

Hutchinson JM, Robins G, Howdle PD. Advances in coeliac disease. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2008;24:129-134.

Green PH, Cellier C. Celiac disease. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:1731-1743.