Global aspects of celiac disease and food allergy

Abstract

Celiac disease and food-allergy are both food-related chronic immune disorders with a common pathogenic link being breakdown in the gut tolerance to otherwise innocuous food antigens. Notwithstanding the similarities, there are significant differences in the pathogenesis of both disorders, which translates to variations in clinical presentations, diagnostic tools and disease epidemiology. The past few decades have witnessed a global increase in prevalence and incidence of both disorders, driven both by true rise due to epidemiological factors and unmasking of previously undiagnosed disease due to better diagnostics and health seeking behavior, related to economic factors. Worldwide as more cases are diagnosed, disparities in healthcare and resources available for disease management are increasingly becoming more relevant but are infrequently discussed. In this review we will discuss the global epidemiology of celiac disease and food allergy, their epidemiological risk factors and future directions for their improved diagnosis and management.