Celiac Disease in Adults

Diagnosis and lifelong management of gluten-induced enteropathy in adults.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 11, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Celiac Disease in Adults?

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy that develops in genetically susceptible individuals (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) on exposure to gluten and progresses with villous atrophy.

Adult presentation is often atypical (iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, infertility). Definitive treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.

Symptoms

Chronic diarrhoea, steatorrhoea

Bloating, abdominal pain

Iron-deficiency anaemia

Weight loss, fatigue

Dermatitis herpetiformis (classic skin manifestation)

Osteopenia/osteoporosis

Recurrent miscarriage, infertility

Risk Factors

First-degree relative with CD (5-15% risk)

Type 1 diabetes (5-10% comorbidity)

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto, Graves)

Down syndrome, Turner syndrome

Selective IgA deficiency

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
Chronic diarrhoea or bloating
Weight loss, fatigue, osteoporosis
Persistent symptoms in known CD (gluten exposure or refractory CD)

Treatment Methods

Lifelong strict gluten-free diet (wheat, barley, rye removal)

Dietitian education and follow-up

Iron, B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium supplementation

Repeat anti-tTG IgA at 6-12 months (treatment response)

DEXA scan (osteoporosis screening)

Refractory CD evaluation in non-responders (intestinal lymphoma exclusion)

Pneumococcal vaccine (functional asplenia)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.