Celiac Disease

Key notes

  • Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.

  • Gluten is found mainly in:

    • Wheat.
    • Barley.
    • Rye.
  • It damages the small-intestinal villi.
  • This leads to malabsorption of nutrients.

  • Symptoms may include:

    • Diarrhoea.
    • Bloating.
    • Weight loss.
    • Anaemia.
    • Fatigue.
    • Growth failure in children.
  • It may also have extra-intestinal manifestations such as bone disease and skin rashes.

  • Diagnosis may involve:

    • Tissue transglutaminase antibodies.
    • Endoscopy and biopsy.
  • Treatment is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet.
  • Celiac disease is different from wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.