Characteristics of Celiac disease – Gluten intolerance is the condition that a permanent severe injury of the mucosa of proximal small intestine.

It involves a defect in the utilization of nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals) at the digestive tract with a very functional and clinical impact variable.

The withdrawal of gluten from the diet leads to a complete remission and recovery of abnormal small bowel mucosa.

Celiac disease is one of the most common causes diarrhea and growth retardation in childhood.

2. When does celiac disease?

As explained in the previous section, the offending agent is gluten but not sufficient, additional factors are involved:

* Genetic factors.
– There is a higher prevalence in relatives of celiac patients
– 70% of monozygotic twins have the disease
– Many celiacs have the same histocompatibility gene (HLA). HLA-B8 DR3, DR5, DR7

Genetic predisposition is necessary but not sufficient.
* Environmental factors
– The breastfeeding has a protective effect
– Infections (adenovirus) may provide that the disease is visible, or signs and symptoms appear ‘new’