Celiac disease meaning Celiac disease, commonly known as "gluten-sensitive enteropathy," is a small intestine autoimmune disease where the body's immune system reacts inappropriately to consumed gluten (a protein found in barley, rye, and wheat), resulting in small intestine inflammation and damage. This is a chronic condition, and patients with celiac disease can present with severe diarrhoea and failure to thrive, and some may be asymptomatic. Celiac disease affects roughly 0.5 -1 % of the ... Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, sometimes causing damage to the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Celiac disease is a condition in which there is inflammation of the small intestine due to exposure to gluten. Learn the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of celiac disease. Learn about the symptoms of celiac disease, such as digestive problems, fatigue, and skin rash, and how they are caused by gluten and genes. Find out how celiac disease is diagnosed and treated, and what factors may increase the risk of developing it.