Gluten-related disorders

Abstract

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, while similar proteins are present in rye, barley and oats. These proteins can cause many different disorders, classified as autoimmune, allergic, and non-autoimmune non-allergic. Only celiac disease can occur in genetically predisposed people, and it presents with a variety of both intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. Early recognition of symptoms and diagnosis of gluten-related disorders is important for the adequate treatment. A large number of people decide to go on a gluten-free diet under the influence of popular literature. However, it makes much more difficult establish the accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.