Coeliac disease

**Definition:** Coeliac disease is a permanent intolerance to gluten proteins, present in wheat, rye, and barley. It is an autoimmune disorder, characterised by a chronic inflammatory state of the small intestinal mucosa and submucosa, which can impair digestion and absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition.

**Inclusions:** - Gluten-sensitive enteropathy - Idiopathic steatorrhoea - Nontropical sprue