CELIAC SPRUE - An inherited disease where the intestinal lining is inflamed in response to the ingestion of a protein known as gluten. Gluten is present in many grains including rye, oats, barley, and triticale. Symptoms in infants include diarrhea, slow growth, bloody stools, weight loss, vomiting, and clay-colored stools. Symptoms in adults include abdominal distention, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, bone pain, and bone tenderness. Treatment involves the life-long avoidance of gluten.