Gluten-free fix? What to know about an experimental treatment that could let celiac disease sufferers eat gluten

People who suffer from celiac disease must eat a strict, gluten-free diet which is a new treatment that can be tested.

The treatment, called Nexvax2, could change people's immune response to gluten so that it no longer triggers a damaging, inflammatory reaction in the body.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes small intestine when gluten is ingested.

Nexvax2 hopes to help people with specific immune responses that make up 90 percent of the patient population, according to ImmusanT, Inc., the Massachusetts company behind the vaccine.

(MORE: What Women Should Ask for Their Doctors in Their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s)

Nexvax2 is currently being tested in a clinical trial in Australia that includes patients from the United States.

A phase 2 clinical trial typically lasts around two years. Nexvax2 would then be tested in a phase 3 clinical trial that is as effective as the treatment is at least as safe and effective as any other treatment options.

If it is successful in the phase 3 trial, then it would have to apply for FDA approval to become available in the US The cost of treatment is unknown.

If it is approved, Nexvax2 could give hope to the nearly 1 percent of Americans who have celiac disease and currently have no treatment option other than following a strict gluten-free diet.

Daniel Acker / Bloomberg via Getty Images

"Dr. Dean Railey, a gastroenterologist in Sunrise, Florida, who is not affiliated," said Dr. Dean Railey, who is not affiliated with the United States. with Nexvax2. "It's really tough to go gluten-free, you know exactly what you're eating at restaurants."

(MORE: Woman reveals a perfect match, will donate kidney to her neighbor)

Here are some questions about Dr. Johanna Kreafle, an emergency medicine physician at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.

1. What is celiac disease?

The disease is an autoimmune disease that causes an immune response against gluten, which is a combination of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. This response can not be properly applied to the body.

2. Do people with gluten intolerance have celiac disease?

No. Some people have not-celiac wheat sensitivity, which has similar symptoms to celiac disease but they do not test positive for celiac disease. And it is not confirmed that gluten is triggering the immune reaction in these people – it may be another protein or antigen.

3. What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

There are many common abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, bone or joint pain and chronic fatigue.

4. How are people diagnosed with celiac disease?

Two steps: screening and diagnosis. You should always consult the doctor to ensure proper diagnosis.

screening: Blood tests for screen for celiac disease antibodies. If the blood tests suggest your diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a biopsy of your small intestine to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis: Biopsy of your small intestine during an endoscopy for your small intestine with celiac disease.

5. What treatments are available for celiac disease?

Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods with wheat, barley and rye.