Celiac disease: more common than you think

Celiac disease--a chronic immune-mediated disorder primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract--is being increasingly recognized, but because half of all cases present atypically or silently, awareness needs to be high, especially in primary care. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion combined with laboratory testing and can be established by a primary physician. Early diagnosis will likely improve outcome. A gluten-free diet is necessary but difficult to follow, and patients are more likely to adhere to it if a dietician and support group are involved.