Celiac Disease Description
Celiac disease is a serious, chronic, genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) leads to damage in the small intestine.
Disease Mechanism
- Trigger: Eating gluten activates an inappropriate immune response.
- Target: The immune system attacks the villi, which are tiny, finger-like projections lining the small intestine.
- Consequence: Damaged villi flatten and cannot absorb nutrients properly. This leads to malabsorption, malnutrition, and long-term health complications.
Core Distinctions
- Not an Allergy: Unlike a wheat allergy, it is a delayed, cell-mediated autoimmune response, not an immediate anaphylactic IgE reaction.
- Not a Sensitivity: Unlike non-celiac gluten sensitivity, celiac disease causes measurable, permanent intestinal damage and carries high genetic markers (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ3).
- The Only Treatment: Currently, the only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet to allow the intestinal lining to heal.
If you would like, I can provide a list of common symptoms, outline the medical diagnostic process (such as blood tests and biopsies), or share a list of safe and unsafe foods.