It is estimated that up to 30% of people diagnosed with celiac disease have persistent symptoms while on a gluten-free diet.
Causes of Poorly Responsive Celiac Disease
Continuing Gluten Ingestion
The most common reason for persistent symptoms is continuing to ingest gluten, either knowingly or unknowingly. Patients are encouraged to meet with a dietitian knowledgeable about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet to learn about the “hidden” source of gluten. Read more about the Sources of Gluten.
Microscopic Colitis, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
People with celiac disease have an increased incidence of microscopic colitis and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Microscopic colitis is an inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores in the colon. A colonoscopy is required to diagnosis these.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Bacterial overgrowth is a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria are present in the small intestine, while the types of bacteria found in the small intestine are more like the bacteria found in the colon. This is usually diagnosed by a hydrogen breath test.
Pancreatic Insufficiency
Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability to properly digest food due to a lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas. This can be diagnosed by the measurement of enzymes in the stool.
Other Food Intolerances
People with celiac disease may have lactose or fructose intolerance, both of which can be diagnosed by a hydrogen breath test. Some research has shown that people with lactose or fructose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and colitis) benefit from a diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols). A low FODMAP diet is most effective under the guidance of a skilled, experienced dietitian, who will systematically help you eliminate and reintroduce different categories of the FODMAPs.
Refractory Celiac Disease (or Refractory Sprue)
Refractory celiac disease, also known as refractory sprue, affects up to 5% of patients. For these patients, the damaged villi in the small intestine do not heal from a gluten-free diet, and all other potential causes for this damage have been ruled out. These patients are usually treated with steroids and immunosuppressants.
How Can I Find a Physician or Dietitian Who Can Address My Symptoms?
You can search for local health care practitioners familiar with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in the CDF Healthcare Practitioner Directory.
Poorly Responsive Celiac Disease | Celiac Disease FoundationCeliac Disease Foundation 