Celiac disease

Definition

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It affects nutrient absorption and can have wide-ranging impacts on overall health, including hematologic wellness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Celiac disease causes villous atrophy in the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption.
2. Common symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue.
3. A strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment for managing celiac disease.
4. Celiac disease can lead to complications such as osteoporosis and iron-deficiency anemia due to poor nutrient absorption.
5. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests for specific antibodies and a confirmatory biopsy of the small intestine.

Review Questions

• What type of diet must individuals with celiac disease follow?
• How does celiac disease affect the small intestine?
• What are some common hematologic complications associated with celiac disease?

Related terms

Gluten:

A protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that triggers adverse reactions in people with celiac disease

Villous Atrophy: The flattening or destruction of the tiny finger-like projections lining the small intestine, which occurs in celiac disease

Iron-Deficiency Anemia:

A condition often associated with celiac disease due to impaired absorption of iron from damaged intestinal lining