Treatment of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine. When a person who has Celiac Disease consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, the individual's immune system responds by attacking the small intestine and inhibiting the absorption of important nutrients into the body. Undiagnosed and untreated, Celiac Disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders, as well as osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and in rare cases, cancer.

• Do I have Celiac Disease?
• Symptoms

The only treatment for Celiac Disease is a gluten-free diet. This requires eliminating wheat, rye, barley, and derivatives of these grains from the diet. Strict adherence to this diet will stop symptoms, heal existing intestinal damage, and prevent further damage.

• Dietary Supportt

At the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Reseaerch, both pediatric and adult patients with Celiac Disease receive the most sophisticated care available. A multidisciplinary team, made up of gastroenterologists, nurses, dieticians,and a psychologist,diagnose patients and offer the most appropriate treatment plan for the disease.

Once patients are diagnosed with Celiac Disease, they must learn how to handle it. The dieticians at the Center offer the nutritional expertise patients need to develop and implement a gluten-free diet while a psychologist provides emotional support to the patients and their families. Because people with Celiac Disease need to change their eating habits and adhere to a strict diet, this disease can impact the entire family. The Center provides families with information on different support groups and other resources that help them to manage the disease.

To make an appointment for the Celiac Clinic, please call 410-328-6749 or 1-800-492-5538.