celiac disease is a problem some people have with foods that contain gluten. gluten is a kind of protein found in foods like bread crackers and pasta. with celiac disease your immune system attacks the gluten and harms your small intestine when you eat these kinds of foods. this makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients that keep you healthy. gluten comes from grains like wheat barley and rye. it’s important to get treatment because celiac disease can lead to iron deficiency anemia and osteoporosis. it can also raise your risk of lymphoma. celiac disease can slow growth and weaken bones in children. if it is not treated your child can get very sick. call a doctor if your child is losing a lot of weight has diarrhea or feels weak and tired for many days for no reason. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what is celiac disease?