Celiac Disease (CD) is a life-long autoimmune disorder of the intestinal tract. The disease has also been known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue and gluten sensitive enteropathy. It is characterized by sensitivity to certain types of gluten proteins found in wheat (gliadin), barley (hordein) and rye (secalin) in a genetically predisposed individual. An abnormal immune reaction occurs when gluten is ingested. This damages the intestinal lining in a very characteristic microscopic pattern beginning with the villi. These are microscopic finger-like projections on intestinal cells that in effect increase the surface area of healthy intestine several fold. This damage among other things, reduces the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The disease varies in severity with classic symptoms of malabsorption (diarrhea, excessive gas, weight loss) noted in some persons while others may remain completely asymptomatic. Many patients are diagnosed after presenting with iron or other micronutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis or through screening of family members. Asymptomatic patients are often found through screening of family members or incidentally as a result of abnormal blood testing or during routine upper endoscopic exams (EGD) performed for other reasons. The severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the severity of the disease. There may be as yet unknown factors that trigger the disease as it may have its onset in childhood or adulthood. The disease is estimated to occur in up to 1% of the U.S. population.