Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance. It mainly affects the small intestine: it is a chronic inflammation of the mucosa of the small intestine due to hypersensitivity to components of gluten. Celiac disease only occurs when there is a corresponding genetic condition.
Mainly due to the triggered immune response, celiac disease leads to severe damage and surface loss of the mucosa of the small intestine and its protrusions (intestinal villi) in affected individuals.
Celiac disease is therefore not an allergy to gluten or wheat, nor is it an intolerance. It is an autoimmune reaction, which will subside with the appropriate diet without gluten (gluten-free). Celiac disease cannot be treated causally, it persists throughout life and can only be counter-treated by a gluten-free diet.
Detailed information about celiac disease in Germany can also be found at the German Society for Celiac Disease.
What are the consequences of celiac disease?
Due to celiac disease, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is severely damaged. The disease leads to the formation of antibodies and mucosal changes in the duodenum. Furthermore, the intestinal villi disappear, which are protrusions of the mucous membrane of the small intestine that is essential for the absorption of nutrients. The result is a greatly reduced absorption of nutrients through the intestine into the bloodstream. Severe deficiency symptoms and secondary diseases are possible due to the disease.