Celiac Disease: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Celiac disease refers to a type of long-term autoimmune disorder. It majorly affects the small intestine, in which people develop intolerance towards gluten, which is found in foods such as barley, wheat and rye. Classic symptoms of celiac disease include gastrointestinal problems, such as loss of appetite, abdominal distention, chronic diarrhoea and malabsorption. This usually starts from the age of six months to two years. There are several non-classic symptoms, which are common in individuals older than two years. These might include either absent or mild gastrointestinal symptoms, which might infect any part of the human body, or no noticeable symptoms. The diagnosis is generally done through intestinal biopsies and a variety of blood antibody tests, facilitated by particular genetic testing. The disease can be treated by following a mandatory gluten-free diet for lifetime. It helps to recover the intestinal lining and decreases the risk associated with the disease. This book contains some path-breaking studies on celiac disease. It aims to shed light on the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information on this medical condition as well as for experts.