Celiac disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are two distinct conditions that affect different areas of the digestive system. However, recent research suggests there may be a link between them.

Celiac disease causes inflammation and damage to the small intestines when a person with the condition eats gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.

GERD affects the esophagus when stomach acid refluxes up into the esophagus from the stomach, causing a burning sensation and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Read on to learn more about the possible link between GERD and celiac disease.

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The link between celiac disease and GERD is becoming increasingly evident through recent research.

In 2011, a study on the relationship between these two conditions suggested that untreated celiac disease might be more closely related to GERD than researchers had previously thought.

They discovered that 30%Trusted Source of people with celiac disease had significant GERD symptoms, compared with less than 5.7% of those without celiac disease. Those with silent or atypical celiac disease also had higher rates of GERD than the control group.

More recently, a 2023 narrative review examined the most recent evidence on the connection between celiac disease and oral and esophageal symptoms.

It found that individuals with celiac disease often experienced symptoms such as mouth sores, dry mouth, and tongue issues more frequently than those without the condition. It also suggested that while the link is not clear, people with celiac disease appeared to be more likely to develop esophageal symptoms, such as GERD, as well.

A most recent study from 2024 examined the results of 31 papers. It found that people with celiac disease who consumed gluten were three times more likelyTrusted Source to have GERD than the control group and over 10 times more likely than those with celiac on a gluten-free diet.

According to research, it appears that celiac disease can increase the risk of acid reflux and GERD. However, the link between the two conditions remains unclear.

Experts believe several factorsTrusted Source may play a role:

  • Inflammation and damage: Celiac disease causes inflammation and damage to the small intestines, which may influence the digestive tract’s mobility and increase the risk of reflux.
  • Altered microbiome: Individuals with celiac disease have alterations in their healthy gut bacteria that may influence GERD symptoms.
  • Immune response: The autoimmune response in celiac disease that affects the cells of the small intestine may also affect the esophagus.
  • Poor absorption: Damage to the small intestines by celiac disease can lead to poor absorption of nutrients from food, potentially contributing to GERD symptoms.
  • Altered digestive function: Celiac disease can disrupt normal digestive functions, including the regulation of acid production and the function of the sphincter connection between the stomach and esophagus.

There is limited evidence to suggest that GERD is a direct risk factor for developing celiac disease.

Current research focuses on the impact of celiac disease on GERD symptoms rather than the other way around.

However, it is important to consider that the symptoms of GERD may sometimes overlap with or mask other digestive conditions, including celiac disease.

Individuals experiencing persistent GERD or who have additional symptoms suggestive of celiac disease — chronic diarrhea, weight loss, or frequent abdominal pain — should seek further medical evaluation.

Following a gluten-free diet can have a significant impact on GERD for people with celiac disease.

According to the 2011 study, individuals with celiac disease who followed a strict gluten-free diet experienced a significant improvement in GERD symptoms within 3 monthsTrusted Source.

The 2024 study found that people with celiac disease who followed a strict gluten-free diet were over five times less likelyTrusted Source to experience GERD symptoms 1 year later than those who did not adhere to the diet.

What are the hidden symptoms of celiac disease?

Hidden symptoms of celiac disease may includeTrusted Source:

  • damaged teeth enamel
  • mood changes
  • delayed puberty
  • slow growth and short height
  • fatigue
  • bone and joint pain
  • depression or anxiety
  • infertility
  • seizures or peripheral neuropathy
  • nutritional deficiencies

What triggers celiac disease in later life?

Triggers for celiac disease later in life may happen due to factors that affect the gut microbiome, such as major stressors, infections, or changes in the immune system. Genetic predisposition may also play a role.

What is stage 4 celiac disease?

Staging celiac disease is no longer a common practice. Medical experts previously used staging to describe the level of damage they found in the intestines after taking a biopsy of the small intestines. Stage 4 was the level describing the most damage.

Recent research suggests that celiac disease and GERD have a potential link, with celiac disease possibly increasing the risk of GERD.

While the cause of this currently remains unclear, experts believe inflammation and the autoimmune response may play a role.

It is a good idea for individuals experiencing persistent GERD to seek medical evaluation.

Adhering to a gluten-free diet often leads to significant improvement in GERD symptoms for those with celiac disease.