Celiac disease

Celiac disease, which is also referred to as sprue or coeliac, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

For those with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine, which damages your small intestine's lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients over time. The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can also lead to serious complications.

Malabsorption can affect growth and development in children, in addition to the symptoms seen in adults.

Although there is no cure for celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing in most people.