Causes

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. It is caused by the immune system’s reaction to gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.

When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. The small intestine is located between the stomach and the large intestine.

A healthy small intestine has tiny finger-like projections (villi) that allow the body to absorb nutrients from food into the bloodstream. In celiac disease, these villi shrink or flatten, making it difficult to absorb nutrients.

Untreated Celiac Disease

При нелекувана цьолиакия, вилите се възпаляват и сплескват. В някои случаи те дори могат да изчезнат. Това се нарича „атрофия“.

Когато червата се увредят по този начин, това означава, че тялото не може да абсорбира всички хранителни вещества от храната правилно. Това се нарича „малабсорбция“.

This damage causes many celiac disease symptoms and increases health risks and complications such as anemia and osteoporosis.

The immune system’s reaction to gluten can also affect other parts of the body. For example, a skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis may develop.