[From historical data and opinions to present challenges in the field of celiac disease]

Celiac disease is a lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten. In clinical practice, no causal treatment is currently available and the disease can only be treated by strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. The disease that was known in ancient Greece continues to draw attention of the professional public worldwide and has been studied by many researchers. As a result, a range of theoretical and practical knowledge has been obtained and thus further aspects of the disease can be addressed. At present the discussion is open not only to doctors, pharmacists, scientists and researchers at various posts, but also to economists, lawyers and managers. In the spectrum of disease manifestations, some new forms were diagnosed, including associations with other diseases. Therefore, a higher prevalence of this disease has been reported. Multiple review articles appeared in both the local and international literature to familiarize the professional public with the symptoms and signs of the disease. Their common aim was to contribute to the detection of the disease in children and adults. Despite that, the disease remains underdiagnosed. In this context, new challenges emerge in the field of celiac disease. The current practice in diagnosing celiac disease and the available and candidate dietary interventions for effective protection and support therapy are described. The importance of early screening and advanced approaches to disease management is underlined.