Celiac Disease

Prevention

Although celiac disease cannot be prevented, symptoms and damage to the small intestine can be reversed by maintaining a strict gluten-free diet. At first, you may also have to avoid milk and milk products. After you stop eating gluten, the intestines begin to heal and you likely will be able to gradually reintroduce milk products into your diet without triggering symptoms.

Some adults with celiac disease have a poorly functioning or nonfunctional spleen, which is a risk factor for developing a pneumococcal infection. For this reason, your doctor may recommend that you get immunized with the pneumococcal vaccine (What is a PDF document?).

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: June 23, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology
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