Explaining Celiac Disease
CHOP patients detail how they respond to questions about celiac disease
“I usually say that it’s an allergy — even though it’s not — to wheat and flour. It’s just easier for everyone to understand than an autoimmune disorder that makes my body unable to process gluten.”
— Joan, 14
“I say I’m allergic to bread and flour, that I can’t eat it. Most people seem to get it.”
— Taylor, 13
“Basically I just say I’m allergic to gluten — stuff like wheat, rye and barley.”
— Pierson, 16
“You can’t eat wheat. You can’t eat things with flour. Mommy and daddy help me pick the right foods so I don’t get sick.”
— Sydney, 5
“Usually I say it’s an allergy — even though it’s not. I don’t have the fibers in my stomach to filter out what gluten is.”
— Helen, 16
“I tell them I can’t eat wheat and oats, but I can eat gluten-free stuff. Like for parties, I take a gluten-free cupcake with me. I like the vanilla icing too.”
— Allison, 8
Reviewed by: Center for Celiac Disease
Date: February 2013