Sprue - Celiac Disease

What are the treatments for the disease?

Many of the effects of celiac disease can be minimized with a special diet. People with celiac disease learn to avoid the proteins in cereal. The proteins in wheat, rye, barley, and oats cause the symptoms of the disease. A healthcare provider may recommend a gluten-restricted and gliadin-free diet. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn and rice. Gliadin, the substance that seems to cause the symptoms in celiac disease is not found in corn or rice. People with the disease cannot tolerate wheat, rye, barley and oats or any products made with these grains. They can eat corn and rice because these grains do not contain gliadin. Some people may be able to tolerate oats, but this should not be tested until initial recovery has occurred. Some people do not respond to dietary limitations, and may need steroid therapy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Use of steroids may cause memory loss, bone loss, weight gain, congestive heart disease, or high blood pressure.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Dietary restriction or drug therapy will be needed throughout the person's life.

How is the disease monitored?

Celiac disease is monitored by simple observation of symptoms.