Celiac Facts
Celiac disease is a genetic, immune-system disorder that causes most sufferers to become ill when we eat gluten. In a nutshell, when the gut tries to digest gluten (a protein) the immune system senses this and flattens - or inactivates by physical force - the intestinal celia . Celia are microscopic fingerlike projectiles which line the small intestine by the millions. Forcing them out of action is painful and traumatic. Eating gluten gives us diarrhea, gas, cramps and a hideous sick feeling. Undiagnosed, celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, immune-related disorders (such as oral thrush) and an increased risk of other, serious diseases.
Some victims suffer from a "silent" version. This is an asymptomatic manifestation without intestinal symptoms. It may or may not include a skin rash, but does stress the immune system and can therefore lead to many serious diseases.
Serological screenings of select populations demonstrate that Celiac Disease rates are @ 1:200 worldwide with higher spikes in some populations. Newly-westernized indigenous groups seem very vulnerable. The rate of Celiac Disease in the USA is estimated at 1:133.
There is no "cure" for celiac disease nor any form of treatment once gluten is ingested. The only option is prevention: avoiding all forms of gluten.
Gluten is a protein, as mentioned above. It is formed in wheat, rye, barley and (maybe) oats when these grains are hydrated.
There's lots of online information about celiac disease, and, unfortunately, lots of misinformation and prejudice about gluten. Here are some links to reliable, medical sources:
Celiac Sprue Site
Wikipedia article
Delphi Celiacs Support Group