Celiac Disease - Gluten Intolerance

Celiac disease (or gluten intolerance or gluten enteropathy) is an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In patients with celiac disease, gluten consumption causes an immune reaction in the small intestine, which over time, eventually creates inflammation that destroys the small intestine epithelium and prevents the absorption of certain nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage can cause weight loss, bloating, and sometimes diarrhea. In children, malabsorption can affect development. Irritation of the intestine can cause pain, especially after meals.