Celiac disease, also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine.[1] Although celiac disease has some symptoms in common with gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies, only celiac disease damages the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In addition to causing a range of GI symptoms, celiac disease can also affect multiple organ systems in the body.[2] Although celiac disease is sometimes considered to be an autoimmune disorder, based on the production of autoantibodies and other features associated with autoimmune disease,[3] it is not clear whether autoimmunity plays a major role in damaging the small intestine.[4]
What is celiac disease?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune disorder that damages the small intestine and can affect multiple organ systems. Although it shares some symptoms with gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies, only celiac disease causes gastrointestinal tract damage.