Celiac disease is a chronic disease of the digestive tract characterized by a permanent intolerance to gluten.
The cause of celiac disease is unknown, although environmental, genetic and immune factors seem to contribute to its development.
It affects each person differently, from the total absence of symptoms to various clinical manifestations, the most frequent being the presence of diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, frequent stools (soft, greasy, pale and smelly), abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion and change of character.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history, physical examination, specific laboratory tests (assessment of certain antibodies) and biopsy of the small intestine.
Treatment is based on the complete and lifelong elimination of gluten from the diet.
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