A: Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue and gluten intolerance, is an intolerance to glidian, found in wheat, oats, barley and rye. It is more severe than an allergic reaction and impairs the digestive system.

A: Celiac Disease is nicknamed "the Great Mimic" because its symptoms aresimilar to many other illnesses. Symptoms vary from person to person and can include few to many different symptoms, which may include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fatigue, achy joints, bloating, dermatitis herpetiformis.

A: If you suspect you may have Celiac Disease, you should consult your doctor so that the appropriate tests for diagnosis can be performed.

A: Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specialize in the digestive system. Ask your doctor or someone you trust for a referral, if you choose to see a specialist.

A: There are several blood tests which can be performed to determine if certain antibodies are present in the body. The accepted standard of diagnosis is an upper endoscopy. A camera inserted through the mouth to view your stomach and lower intestine. This procedure is conducted under a light anesthesia and is generally painless. A biopsy of the duodenum is performed and submitted to a pathologist to determine if damaged villi exist.

A: In the past few years, other "tests" have appeared on the market and are considered to be less invasive. Ask your doctor if these new tests are a viable alternative for you. For more information on these tests, see www.prometheuslabs.com.

A: You can. At first, it seems overwhelming but soon you will realize it is not that bad. Today, there are many wonderful mail order companies and gluten-free products on the market. There are a number of websites with information concerning Celiac Disease, and support groups, such as the Oklahoma Celiac Support Group, which offer support on both the local and national levels.

A: The worst feeling in the world is thinking there is nothing to eat. Especially early on, the secret is to look at everything you can eat -- and not what you can't eat. The gluten-free diet has virtually no restrictions on plain meats, plain vegetables and plain fruits. The tricky part is carbohydrates. Today, there are gluten-free pasta and bread available at health food stores and online, as well as wonderful doughnuts, bagels and even pretzels. Your diet will take some forethought and planning. Fast food might be a thing of the past. Find a good gluten-free list of safe foods, stock up and enjoy! Be sure to check out 50 Things to Eat Right Now!

A: An autoimmune disease causes the body to attack itself. Some autoimmune diseases include lupus, multiple sclerosis and Celiac Disease.

A: Celiac Disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as Chrone's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

A: Recent studies at the University of Maryland show that as many as 1 in every 133 Americans have Celiac Disease. Diagnosis in the United States takes an average of seven (7) years.

A: Celiac Disease is associated with diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that an individual who has an autoimmune disease is more susceptible to other autoimmune diseases than is a healthy individual.

A: Once you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for the rest of one's life. Once a sprue, always a sprue.

A: Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a disorder or complication associated with Celiac Disease. Gluten has been found to have a close relationship with the skin rash which occurs with dermatitis herpetiformis. DH is often referred to as "celiac disease of the skin" while Celiac Disease is referred to as "celiac disease of the gut." DH are itchy skin eruption which are intensely itchy and may appear as red bumps and blisters. DH lesions commonly appear on elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp, posterior, neck, sacral (lower end of the spinal column) and shoulder areas. For photos, see DH Images.