Final answer:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, damaging the microvilli in the gut, which leads to a variety of symptoms and requires a gluten-free diet. Other autoimmune diseases affecting the digestive system include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with celiac disease have immune reactions that attack their guts due to the body's immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune response leads to microvilli damage, which are tiny finger-like projections that line the small intestine and are crucial for nutrient absorption. This damage results in malnutrition, cramping, and diarrhea, and requires patients to adhere to a gluten-free diet to manage their condition and prevent further complications.
Other autoimmune diseases that involve the body attacking its digestive system include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which lead to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract with varied locations of affectation.
The variety of symptoms and potentially serious complications associated with celiac disease are due to the malabsorption of essential nutrients, which is critical for cell, tissue, and organ functions throughout the body. This can lead to conditions like anemia, osteoporosis, skin rashes, and even an increased risk of certain cancers if left untreated. Diagnosis of celiac disease involves serological test for antibodies and is confirmed via endoscopy and biopsy.