[ Coeliac disease, celiac disease (US) ]
An autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that may be caused by sensitivity to gliadin, a component of gluten, found in wheat and other grains.
Symptoms include pain and discomfort in the digestive tract, chronic constipation, and diarrhoea. Secondary symptoms may include failure to thrive (of children), anaemia and fatigue. Vitamin deficiencies may be present due to a reduced ability to absorb nutrients from the small intestine.