If celiac disease is left untreated, it can increase your risk for developing certain types of digestive system cancers. Lymphoma of the small intestine is a rare type of cancer but may be 30 times more common in people with celiac disease.

What happens if celiac disease is left untreated?

Untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders like Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), and many other conditions, including dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy skin rash), anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines,

Can you live with celiac disease and not know it?

Approximately 20% of people with celiac disease are asymptomatic, meaning they dont experience any external symptoms at all. However, everyone with celiac disease is still at risk for long-term complications. Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medications that contain gluten.

Can you die from Celiacs disease?

Without diagnosis and treatment, celiac disease is ultimately fatal in 10 to 30% of people. Currently this outcome is rare, as most people do well if they avoid gluten. Following a gluten-free diet heals the damage to the intestines and prevents further damage.

How long is the average lifespan of a person with celiac disease?

More than half of the patients were younger than 2 years at initial hospitalization; the average age at initial hospitalization was 17.4 years. A total of 828 patients (8.3%) died, with few deaths before the age of 40 years, more than half after the age of 60 years, and an average age at death of 68.6 years.