Final answer:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion that damages microvilli in the small intestine, causing nutrient malabsorption and various symptoms. Management through a gluten-free diet is crucial to avoid serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and is triggered by eating gluten products is Celiac disease. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, their immune system reacts by damaging the microvilli in the small intestine. This leads to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in a range of symptoms such as diarrhea, anemia, and abdominal pain. Other autoimmune diseases affecting the digestive system include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the GI tract, leading to various digestive issues.
Celiac disease is serious because it can lead to long-term complications such as osteoporosis and increased risk of certain types of cancers if not managed properly with a strict gluten-free diet. Alongside dietary changes, some cases may require medications to reduce inflammation.