title: Celiac sprue.
abstract: Celiac Sprue is a malabsorption disease (not to be confused with a food allergy or hypersensitivity to food products) that can occur at any age. This disease is characterized by changes in the mucosal lining of the small intestine. The mucosal lining is damaged by protein fragments of gliadin, which is found in gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats), and the small intestine is unable to carry out its main functions of digestion and absorption. The treatment for this disease is to discontinue gluten from the diet permanently. Once gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine begins to heal itself. As the healing process continues, digestion and absorption resume. Celiac Sprue does not go away. A gluten-free diet must be maintained for the rest of one's life.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005983:Glutens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008612:Menu Planning; D012657:Self-Help Groups
chemical_list: D005983:Glutens