Celiac Disease Synonyms
Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or celiac sprue, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. It is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestine, leading to various symptoms and long-term complications.
Although celiac disease is the most commonly used term, there are several other synonyms that refer to the same condition:
- Gluten intolerance: This term is often used interchangeably with celiac disease, as both conditions involve an adverse reaction to gluten.
- Gluten sensitivity: Similar to gluten intolerance, this term describes individuals who experience symptoms after consuming gluten but do not have the same level of intestinal damage as those with celiac disease.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: This term is used to describe individuals who experience symptoms similar to celiac disease but do not have the characteristic intestinal damage or specific antibodies associated with the condition.
- Wheat allergy: While celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, wheat allergy is an immune response triggered specifically by proteins found in wheat. The symptoms may overlap with those of celiac disease, but the underlying mechanisms are different.
- Gluten enteropathy: This term refers to the damage and inflammation of the small intestine caused by gluten ingestion, which is a characteristic feature of celiac disease.
It is important to note that while these terms are often used interchangeably, they may have slightly different implications or diagnostic criteria. However, they all revolve around the adverse reactions to gluten and share similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.