 [ Symptoms ] what increases the risk of getting celiac disease [ Disease ] celiac disease is an immune system disorder in genetically predisposed people that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten the risk for the disease may be inherited since about 10 of first degree relatives mother father brother sister son or daughter of people who have celiac disease also develop the condition in people who are genetically predisposed celiac disease may be triggered by environmental factors including viral and bacterial infections people who have celiac disease are also more likely than others to have dermatitis herpetiformis more common in adults but can occur in children osteoporosis type 1 diabetes  insulin  dependent diabetes  autoimmune thyroid disease down syndrome sjögren is syndrome selective antibody deficiency immunoglobulin a [iga] deficiency iron deficiency anemia or folic acid deficiency anemia abnormal liver function tests that are not caused by any other disease 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