Celiac disease - sprue

Sprue; Nontropical sprue; Gluten intolerance; Gluten-sensitive enteropathy; Celiac sprue

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This is a substance that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. It is also found in food made from these ingredients.

The damaged intestine is not able to absorb nutrients from food.

Celiac disease

The intestinal lining has small hair-like projections called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods with gluten, it triggers an immune response. Over time, the inflammation caused by the immune response damages the villi. Because of the damage, the villi are unable to properly absorb iron, vitamins, and other nutrients. This may cause a number of symptoms, including diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss, as well as a number of other health problems.

Digestive system

The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

Celiac sprue - foods to avoid

Celiac disease causes inflammation in the small intestine and damage in the lining. This prevents the body from properly absorbing the nutrients in food. The damage to the lining of the intestine comes from a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats, and in food made from these ingredients. The inability to absorb nutrients can lead to weight loss, fatigue, malnourishment, and other health problems. Gluten may be found in many foods, especially processed foods and baked goods. Breads, cakes, desserts, alcoholic beverages (except wine), cereals, and pastas may all contain gluten. Eating a gluten-free diet heals the intestines and prevents further damage.

Dermatitis - herpetiformis on the knee

This picture shows the knee of a person with a chronic inflammatory disease known as dermatitis herpetiformis. It produces red, raised (papular), small or large blisters (vesicles or bullae) that burn and itch intensely. Dermatitis herpetiformis develops suddenly, lasts for weeks to months, and may be associated with digestive diseases (such as Celiac disease).

Dermatitis - herpetiformis on the arm and legs

This picture shows a chronic inflammatory disease (dermatitis herpetiformis) that produces red (erythematous), raised (papular), small or large blisters (vesicles or bullae) that burn and itch intensely. Dermatitis herpetiformis develops suddenly, lasts for weeks to months, and may be associated with digestive diseases (such as Celiac disease).

Digestive system organs

The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Support Groups

Outlook (Prognosis)

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Prevention