Celiac disease is primarily classified as which type of disorder?

Celiac disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder because it involves the immune system reacting abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In individuals with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, specifically targeting the lining known as the villi, which are responsible for nutrient absorption. This autoimmune response is characterized by the production of antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues, resulting in inflammation and various gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms.

Understanding this context clarifies the nature of celiac disease; it is not a metabolic disorder, which would typically involve the body's biochemical processes such as those related to energy production or storage. It is also not classified as a neurological or respiratory disorder, as these categories pertain to issues related to the nervous system and respiratory system, respectively. The classification as an autoimmune disorder helps in determining management strategies and dietary interventions that avoid gluten, as well as informing patients about the implications of immune system activation caused by gluten consumption.