I think Celiac is becoming more common for a variety of reasons. First I think technology has a big effect on diagnosing so it is easier to determine what kind of products are making a person sick. Now a days doctors can go inside someone and inspect their insides and get a good look at the area affected by GLuten( small intestine) to determine a diagnosis.

Second, I think people are becoming more aware of the symptoms. Not just doctors but also patients who may have not thought of Celiac in the past are now starting to find out more information on the web and from other people.

Another thing that is contributing to the rise could be food manufacturing. Many food manufacturers are producing a wide variety of food in the same plants to save money and food that may be “gluten free” may come in contact with gluten at some point.

The main things are however are technology and awareness I believe.

I found a pretty good article written in 2002 about Celiac Disease and how it is more common than first thought. Click here to read article.

Thanks for the question.