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.