Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an immunologically mediated disease in genetically susceptible people caused by intolerance to gluten, resulting in mucosal inflammation and villous atrophy, which causes malabsorption…

“Celiac” refers to things inside your belly, including your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your GI tract is the tube that goes from your mouth to your anus. The GI tract includes your esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and small and large intestines. Your intestines are where food is absorbed.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a disease of the small intestines that keeps you from absorbing all the nutrients in your food. Nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Not absorbing nutrients is called malabsorption. Not getting the nutrients you need is called malnutrition.

• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that runs in families
• It causes problems eating food that contains the protein gluten, which is in wheat, barley, rye, and foods made from those grains
• Symptoms include oily, bad-smelling diarrhea, feeling tired, and losing weight
• Children won’t grow at a normal rate