Is It Genetic?

[motif]

One thing makes me thinking since celiac disease is genetic, is it possible my parents don't have it? or they just don't know it?

Also if I have, my kids will have too? and can I get it later in adult life? I know my father had once big problem with digestions, but thought is a ulcer and treated it with herbs.

[psawyer]

Yes, it is genetic, but there is more to it than that.

Not everyone who is born with the genes develops the disease. Having the celiac gene means that the disease could appear at some point in your life, but the majority of people with the gene never do develop the actual disease.

Studies indicate that a trigger is required to activate the genes. Typically, this is some other disease of an infectious nature that stresses the immune system. Pregnancy or childbirth, or trauma of some kind can also be the trigger. There is some debate about whether emotional stress alone can cause it.

So, you could have it without either parent having it, although at least one of them must carry the gene.