We summarize, I hope in a simple manner, that celiac disease is a disease of the small intestine autoimmune. It can affect all ages and recognizes a genetic predisposition. Generally, the symptoms occur at weaning: Diarra chronic, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, growth retardation in children and asthenia. In certain cases (atypical forms) these symptoms may be absent and there may be extraintestinal symptoms, including neurological and symptoms related to malabsorption; in these cases, the diagnosis is often made in adulthood.
Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a prolamin (protein gluten) found in wheat, and similar proteins found in other common grains, such as barley and rye.
The exposure to gliadin cause an inflammatory reaction. This leads to a progressive reduction of the villi lining the small intestine (villous atrophy) until their complete disappearance. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients, because the intestinal villi are responsible. The only known effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Disorders such as symptoms are so-called gluten-related disorders, such as allergy to wheat and gluten sensitivity. The first is a typical allergic reaction, the second is similar to celiac disease but no damage to the intestinal villi and often without the presence of specific markers for celiac disease in the blood. Among the causes of celiac disease include both environmental factors and genetic factors.
The age of onset of celiac disease is variable, from weaning to puberty to adulthood and is very subjective. They would need at least three factors for the onset of the disease:
1) a genetic predisposition;
2) diet rich in gluten (typically the Mediterranean diet is rich especially wheat and its derivatives as well as thickeners, additives and preservatives);
3) the occurrence of trigger factors eg: psychological and physical stress, viral infections, pregnancy, surgeries.
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Specialista in Chir. General, mammalogy, Ph.D. , SIUMB degree in Ultrasound Clinic
