cøliake

Cøliake, also known as coeliac disease, is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye. In cøliake, ingestion of gluten leads to an immune attack on the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage to the lining, which impairs nutrient absorption. It is a lifelong condition with varying symptoms and severity.

Symptoms vary widely and may appear at any age. Common gastrointestinal symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. Non-gastrointestinal features such as iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, bone or joint pain, short stature in children, dental enamel defects, and dermatitis herpetiformis can also occur. Some people have no symptoms.

Diagnosis relies on serology tests for antibodies such as tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) and endomysial antibodies (EMA), along with total IgA testing. Because autoimmune tests can be misleading if the person avoids gluten, testing is most accurate when gluten is still eaten. A confirmatory diagnosis often requires an intestinal biopsy showing villous atrophy, with clinical improvement after gluten withdrawal.

Treatment is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet, removing wheat, barley, rye and their derivatives. Dietitians help ensure balanced nutrition and monitor for deficiencies. Most patients improve clinically on a gluten-free diet; intestinal healing can take months to years. Untreated cøliake increases the risk of osteoporosis, infertility or miscarriage, certain cancers, and other autoimmune conditions. The condition affects about 1% of the population and is more common in people of European ancestry; it often runs in families.