Celiac disease - sprue

Definition

Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disease. The lining of the small intestine is damaged in response to ingestion of gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, possibly oats, and their derivatives.

The intestines contain projections (called villi) that normally absorb nutrients. In undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease, these villi become flattened and the ability to absorb nutrients properly is altered. As a result, several other organ systems may also be affected. The disease can first develop at any point in life from infancy to late adulthood.

Alternative Names

Causes

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. Once thought rare, recent research suggests that an estimated 1 of every 133 Americans has celiac disease. However, only a small fraction of people living with it have been diagnosed in the United States at this time.

Those with a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians and those of European ancestry. Women are affected more commonly than men.

There are numerous diseases and conditions associated with celiac disease. Some of these include anemia, lactose intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis (a burning, itching, blistering rash), and other skin disorders, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, Down syndrome, unexplained infertility, miscarriage, osteoporosis/osteopenia, certain types of intestinal cancer, neurological conditions, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.