Could You Have 'Silent Celiac' And Not Know It?

Gastro doctors explain what you need to know about this serious disorder.

You’re likely somewhat familiar with celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder that causes certain people to experience small intestine damage when they consume gluten.

Those afflicted often experience gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, constipation, gas and diarrhea. But not everyone does. In fact, you can have “silent celiac” and have no idea.

Below, GI specialists explain what silent celiac is, how it’s diagnosed and treated and what to look out for.

What is silent celiac?

“‘Silent’ celiac disease is when someone has celiac disease, a reaction to the gluten protein, but they do not manifest symptoms from the disease,” said Dr. Rabia De Latour, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “They can have the physical manifestations of the disease like small bowel inflammation but without the GI symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.”