Celiac disease is a condition in which eating food containing a protein called gluten triggers an immune response that attacks the small intestine. When I first began learning about IBS, celiac disease was seen as an extremely rare condition and thus quickly dismissed as a possible cause of chronic digestive symptoms. Luckily, awareness of this damaging, but treatable, disease has increased.

The symptoms of IBS and celiac disease can often be similar. Nancy Lapid, About.com’s Guide to Celiac Disease, has just published an excellent article called “Is Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome Really Celiac Disease?" Every person who has been diagnosed with IBS should read this article and follow Nancy’s recommendation regarding being tested for celiac disease.

For more information on celiac disease, see:

• What is Celiac Disease?
• Symptoms of Celiac Disease
• Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
• Treatment of Celiac Disease