Celiac disease is a "chronic disease that triggers an immune reaction of inflammation of the small intestine, after the ingestion of gluten", explains the General Health Direction.

Some of the most common symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, lack of appetite, abdominal distension, abdominal pain and vomiting. On this International Celiac Day and World Celiac Awareness Day, which is celebrated this Thursday, find out what can happen if it is not diagnosed and treated in the best way.

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Blood tests, endoscopy and biopsies are some of the ways to reach a diagnosis after the symptoms have been detected. According to the website of the Lusíadas health group, the only treatment that exists is a gluten-free diet "by replacing foods with gluten with others whose raw materials do not contain it". 

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, there are several health conditions that can develop if there is no proper diagnosis and treatment. Learn about some of the associated risks.

• Osteoporosis;
• Gallbladder malfunction;
• Heart disease;
• Infertility and miscarriage;
• Iron deficiency anemia;
• Lactose intolerance;
• Liver failure;
• Malnutrition;
• Pancreatic insufficiency;
• Bowel cancer;
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies;
• Other autoimmune diseases.

Read Also: Oral elixir may be able to detect stomach cancer early (Portuguese version)