Gluten Enteropathy (Celiac Intestine Disease)

The word enteropathy means a disease of the small intestine. Gluten enteropathy is a medical condition where a person's body cannot tolerate protein gluten present in wheat, oat, rye and barley which leads to damage of the small intestine. Gluten is also found in lipsticks, vitamins and medicines. The body cannot digest or breakdown gluten and develops sensitivity or intolerance towards it. Ingestion of gluten triggers autoimmune reaction wherein antibodies are produced against this protein during its absorption in the intestine.

SYMPTOMS

• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea and bloating
• Loose bowel movements
• Weight loss due to malnutrition
• A severe skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
• Musculoskeletal problems such as muscle cramps, joint and bone pain
• Growth problems and failure to thrive
• Osteoporosis due to decreased absorption of calcium and vitamin d

CAUSES

Gluten enteropathy is known to occur due to genetic (hla and non-hla genes) and environmental (gluten) factors.