Celiac Disease

Also known as celiac sprue, it is an inherited disorder in which an intolerance to the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye causes intestinal damage that interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food and may lead to malnutrition. When exposed to gluten, this genetic defect causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine.  As a result, the villi (tiny fingerlike protrusions) that line the small intestine become damaged and can no longer absorb nutrients properly.  The symptoms very greatly among individuals.  One may have sever physical symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.  Another may have emotional symptoms such as irritability or depression.  Symptoms also include gas, abdominal bloating and pain, weight loss, fatigue, bone or joint pain, seizures, muscle cramps, tooth discoloration and loss of enamel, and itchy skin rashes such as dermatitis.  People with celiac disease are at risk of developing malnutrition and anemia.  People with celiac disease are also at greater risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), type 1 diabetes, liver disease, collagen vascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Treatment is eating a gluten free diet and treatment for other complications.