Celiac's disease is classified as what type of disease?

Celiac disease is primarily classified as an autoimmune disorder, not just a malabsorption condition. In this disorder, the immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine in response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This immune response leads to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, which impairs the absorption of nutrients, resulting in malabsorption.

The reason why autoimmune classification is significant is that the underlying cause of celiac disease involves dysregulation of the immune system, making it critical to understanding the disease’s pathology and management. While malabsorption is a consequence of the disease due to damage to the intestines, celiac disease is fundamentally rooted in an abnormal immune response. Therefore, it's accurate to consider celiac disease as an autoimmune disorder.

This distinction is important in clinical practice, as it guides diagnosis, treatment, and patient education regarding gluten avoidance. Recognizing it as an autoimmune disease can also lead to further investigations and screenings for other autoimmune conditions that patients with celiac disease might be at risk for.