celiac disease

celiac disease

noun

Definition of CELIAC DISEASE

: a chronic hereditary intestinal disorder in which an inability to absorb the gliadin portion of gluten results in the gliadin triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal mucosa —called also celiac sprue

First Known Use of CELIAC DISEASE

1911

celiac disease

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CELIAC DISEASE

: a chronic hereditary intestinal disorder in which an inability to absorb the gliadin portion of gluten results in the gliadin triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal mucosa—called also celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, nontropical sprue, sprue

celiac disease

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Digestive disorder in which people cannot tolerate gluten, a protein constituent of wheat, barley, malt, and rye flours. In celiac disease, gluten generates an immune response that damages the mucous lining of the small intestine; it is believed that a deficiency of gluten-digesting enzymes may underlie the disease. Poor nutrient absorption causes foul, bulky, fatty stools; malnutrition; stunting of growth; and anemia similar to pernicious anemia. It can run in families. Children begin having intermittent intestinal upset, diarrhea, and wasting at 6–21 months. In adults it usually begins after 30, with appetite loss, depression, irritability, and diarrhea. Symptoms in advanced cases stem from nutritional deficiencies and may require supportive measures. A high-protein diet low in glutens and saturated fats usually relieves symptoms.

Variants of CELIAC DISEASE

celiac disease or nontropical sprue