Celiac Disease: Rare or Prevalent?

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune small intestinal disorder caused by the interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, primarily affects individuals carrying HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genes. Once considered as a rare disease, the global incidence of CeD has steadily risen, posing a growing public health concern. Epidemiological surveys on CeD have been conducted in certain regions of China, with preliminary results indicating a non-negligible disease prevalence. However, diagnostic delays remain prevalent, and delayed and untreated patients may face long-term complications including malnutrition, concurrent autoimmune disorders, and even cancers. This article provides an overview of CeD epidemiology, analyzes its common clinical manifestations and high-risk populations, and summarizes protocols for early screening and diagnosis, aiming to offer references for clinical management of CeD.