Final answer:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten intake that damages the small intestine's villi, leading to myriad symptoms and requiring a gluten-free diet. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are similar autoimmune conditions affecting the digestive system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disorder where an immune reaction is linked to eating gluten, causing the body to attack the small intestinal mucosa, is known as celiac disease. In those with celiac disease, gluten intake leads to an autoimmune reaction that damages the villi in the small intestine, crucial for nutrient absorption. Without healthy villi, individuals experience malnutrition and symptoms such as cramping and diarrhea. Diet is the primary treatment, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Diagnosis involves serological tests for specific antibodies and is confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenal mucosa.
Similar autoimmune disorders affecting the digestive system are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease can impact any part of the GI tract, often affecting the ileum, while ulcerative colitis primarily targets the colon. Both conditions lead to chronic inflammation due to the immune system attacking the digestive tract.