Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that reacts to gluten and tends to damage the small intestine. This condition would be part of the causes that deteriorated the health of the Argentine guitarist Felipe Staitifounder of the band Enanitos Verdes.
The news of his death was known on the night of April 13, when the Secretary of Culture of Mendoza, Diego Gareca, announced the death of the musician. Hours later, it was revealed that his admission to a hospital in Mendoza, Argentina, was due to a persistent fever.
International media highlight that, behind his death, there was a progressive process that deteriorated his health. Since 2024, the guitarist would have faced complications after contracting a bacterial infection, aggravated by celiac disease.
It is known that the musician had a diagnosis of celiac disease, which, according to the media The Timewould have been a determining factor in his general condition. Finally, it was his manager, William Ramírez, who confirmed the artist’s death.
What is celiac disease?
Classified as a chronic digestive and immune disorder, celiac disease damages the small intestine and prevents the body from absorbing necessary vitamins and nutrients.
According to the MedlinePlus portal, this disease can cause malnutrition or other complications. The University of Navarra Clinic highlights that those who suffer from it do not tolerate gluten, a protein present in foods such as wheat, oats, barley and rye.
The clinic indicates that, when ingesting gluten, damage occurs to the mucosa of the small intestine. As part of the process, Mayo Clinic indicates that this disease affects the intestinal lining and prevents proper absorption of nutrients.
Symptoms
This disease, which has no cure, can present varied symptoms in both children and adults. Mayo Clinic points out that in adults the following may occur:
Over time, damage to the intestine can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- weight loss
- abdominal pain
- Abdominal distention
The University of Navarra highlights that signs such as unexplained anemia, gas, bone or joint pain, muscle cramps and unexplained fatigue may also occur.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that reacts to gluten and tends to damage the small intestine (Free Press Photo: Shutterstock)
Also, in some cases the disease does not present symptoms, because the undamaged part of the small intestine can absorb nutrients.
Mayo Clinic also highlights that half of adults do not have digestive symptoms and may develop mouth ulcers, itchy skin rashes and blisters, or decreased spleen function.
What causes it?
MedlinePlus indicates that the exact cause is still unknown; However, celiac disease is believed to have a genetic origin and is triggered by the ingestion of gluten.
The portal points out that people with family members who suffer from this disease, as well as those who have Down, Turner or Williams syndrome, tend to be more prone.