Celiac Disease Essentials

Overview

• Autoimmune disorder triggered by ingestion of gluten (protein in wheat, barley, rye)
• Immune response targets gluten in small intestine → mucosal damage
• Leads to malabsorption due to villous atrophy

Pathophysiology

• Gluten exposure → immune activation in genetically susceptible individuals
• Chronic inflammation damages intestinal lining → impaired nutrient absorption

Key Consequences

• Malabsorption of macro- and micronutrients
• Potential complications: anemia, osteoporosis, growth failure (children), infertility, malignancy risk if untreated

Symptoms

• Highly variable; differ in adults vs. children
• Common adult gastrointestinal signs: diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, abdominal pain
• Extra-intestinal signs: fatigue, anemia, dermatitis herpetiformis, neurological symptoms
• Pediatric concerns: growth retardation, delayed puberty, irritability in addition to GI symptoms

Management

• Lifelong strict gluten-free diet = cornerstone therapy
  • Eliminates wheat, barley, rye and derivatives
  • Allows intestinal healing, symptom resolution, complication prevention
• No definitive pharmacologic cure currently available
• Nutritional monitoring and supplementation as needed
• Regular follow-up to ensure dietary adherence and mucosal recovery