Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease (pronounced: /ˈsiːliæk diːˈziːz/), also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. The disease is triggered by consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Etymology
The term "celiac" is derived from the Greek word "koiliakos" meaning "abdominal", and it was first used in English literature in the 19th century. The disease was named for the abdominal symptoms that are often associated with it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Celiac Disease can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. In children, the disease can lead to failure to thrive and delayed growth.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease typically involves blood tests to look for high levels of certain autoantibodies, followed by an endoscopy to take a biopsy of the small intestine. The biopsy can show damage to the villi, small finger-like projections that line the small intestine and promote nutrient absorption.
Treatment
The primary treatment for Celiac Disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Celiac Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Celiac Disease
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski