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Celiac Disease - Sprue
Alternate Names : Gluten Intolerance, Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy, Nontropical Sprue, 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.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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. Females are affected more commonly than males.
There are numerous diseases and conditions associated with celiac disease. Some of these include anemia, lactose intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis (a burning, itching, blistering rash), 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.
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- Memory Loss
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abortion - Spontaneous
• Anemia
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
• Infertility
• Lactose Intolerance
• Malabsorption
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Thyroid Diseases
• Type 1 Diabetes
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Small Bowel Biopsy
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Abdominal Pain
• Appetite - Decreased
• Celiac Disease - Nutritional Considerations
• Celiac Disease - Resources
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Muscle Cramps
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Protein in Diet
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 11/14/2003
Reviewed By : Trisha B. Lyons, RD, LD, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
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