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Celiac disease

Synonym(s)

  • CD - celiac disease
  • celiac sprue
  • Gee-Herter disease
  • gluten enteropathy
  • gluten-induced enteropathy
  • gluten intolerance
  • Huebner-Herter disease
  • non-tropical sprue
  • sprue

Definition(s)

A digestive disease that is caused by an immune response to a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. A person with celiac disease may become malnourished no matter how much food is consumed.

Definition from:  National Cancer Institute dictionaryThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: November 20, 2009