The small intestine is affected because the inner lining has fingerlike projections called villa. The villa help to increase the amount of surface available for the absorption and digestion of nutrients. In the celiac sprue there is a flattening of the surface and a loss of the normal villa. This leads to a decrease in the amount of absorption of nutrients. Also the enzymes which are normally present in the lining cells of the intestine are diminished which impairs digestion.

The symptoms of sprue vary according to the severity a

A diagnosis of celiac spruce is usually not apparent, in many instances the physical examination of the patient is normal. The diagnosis is considered in patients with diarrhea and weight loss. Signs of weight loss may be apparent and patients may become pale if they are anemic. Laboratory studies can be helpful; examination of a stool sample will frequently demonstrate the presence of increased amounts of fats, since fat is not properly absorbed by the small intestine in this disease. Blood tests can reveal anemia, low levels of iron, folate, proteins, minerals, and lack of blood clotting factors. A barium x-ray examination can allow the small intestine to be visualized and when celiac sprue is present abnormal folds of the small intestine can be seen. A skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis can be associated with celiac sprue and causes an itchy raised rash over the arm, legs, chest and buttock areas.

Some common words found in the essay are:
, celiac sprue, weight loss, absorption nutrients, lack absorption nutrients, iron folate, lack absorption,
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