Causes
Doctors do not fully understand what causes celiac disease. Eating gluten seems to be involved. There is most likely a genetic factor. Patients with specific genes develop the disease after exposure to gluten. There is some evidence that earlier exposure in infancy causes more severe disease than later exposure.
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of having celiac disease.
- Family members with celiac disease
-
History of another autoimmune disease, such as:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Lupus
- Dermatitis herpetiformis—a skin condition associated with celiac disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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