Final answer:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder causing damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed, leading to malabsorption and various symptoms. Other related autoimmune diseases are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A gluten-free diet is essential for managing celiac disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The autoimmune disorder that leads to damage in the small intestine when gluten products are consumed is known as celiac disease. When individuals with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, it triggers an autoimmune response that damages the microvilli in their small intestine. This damage to the villi diminishes their ability to absorb nutrients, which can cause a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, anemia, skin rash, bone pain, and even psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.
As for other autoimmune diseases that involve the body attacking its own digestive system, the two main ones are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, with the ileum of the small intestine being the most common area. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum. Both conditions result in inflammation and various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Those diagnosed with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications, which may include osteoporosis, nervous and reproductive system problems, and certain types of cancers. Diagnosis of celiac disease involves serological testing for specific antibodies and may include an endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenal mucosa.