Health Tip: Key to Celiac Disease is Gluten

(HealthDay News) -- Celiac disease, a hereditary condition that affects one in every 133 people in the United States, can often be mistaken for a food allergy.

CD impacts the absorption of nutrients by the small intestine, and can cause damage to the organ. It is caused by some of the foods that trigger food allergies, which often leads to misdiagnosis, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says.

Gluten, an ingredient found in wheat and other grains, is the primary trigger that causes CD.

One symptom of CD is an itchy skin rash that causes dark brown spots on the hands, arms and legs. Treatment of CD does not typically include medication, but requires total avoidance of any foods containing gluten.

If you suspect you may have CD, you should consult your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: March 24, 2006