Coeliac Disease

December 13, 2024
Published
Last updated
December 13, 2024
Key take aways :
  • Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten consumption causes the bodies immune system to attack small intestine tissue.
  • Without treatment, symptoms can range from mild digestive discomfort to severe malnutrition.

‍

What is What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by consuming gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In individuals with coeliac disease, gluten consumption causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and nutrient malabsorption.

This condition is different from gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy and requires a confirmed medical diagnosis. Learn more from the NHS.

‍

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease can present a wide variety of symptoms, which can make it challenging to diagnose. Common signs include:

  1. Digestive Issues: Bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
  1. Fatigue and Weakness: Caused by malabsorption of essential nutrients.
  1. Unexplained Weight Loss: Due to the body's inability to properly absorb food.
  1. Skin Rash (Dermatitis Herpetiformis): Itchy, blistering skin condition associated with coeliac disease.
  1. Nutritional Deficiencies: Low iron (anaemia), calcium, or vitamin D levels.

Foods to Include in a Gluten-Free Diet

To maintain a gluten-free diet, focus on naturally gluten-free foods and safe alternatives:

,

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:

Coeliac disease is diagnosed through a combination of:

  1. Blood Tests: To identify specific antibodies such as tTG-IgA and EMA-IgA.
  1. Endoscopy and Biopsy: To confirm damage in the small intestine.

‍

Treatment:

The only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. This involves:

  1. Avoiding foods and products containing wheat, barley, rye, and any gluten-contaminated items.
  1. Using naturally gluten-free substitutes such as rice, quinoa, and certified gluten-free products.
  1. Reading labels carefully to avoid hidden gluten.

For more on treatment options, visit the NHS treatment page.

‍

How Rare is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease affects about 1% of the global population, though many cases remain undiagnosed. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, with those having a family history of the condition being at higher risk.

Find more information about the prevalence of coeliac disease on the NHS website .

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coeliac disease genetic?

  1. Yes, it has a genetic component, often linked to the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes.

‍

Can coeliac disease be cured?

  1. No, there is no cure, but strict adherence to a gluten-free diet can manage symptoms effectively.

‍

What happens if coeliac disease is untreated?

  1. Untreated coeliac disease can lead to serious complications, including osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Conclusion

Coeliac disease is a lifelong condition, but with proper management and dietary adjustments, individuals with coeliac disease can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Early diagnosis, education about gluten-free living, and access to support groups or dieticians are vital steps to improving quality of life.

Related Terms

  1. Gluten-Free Diet - A diet excluding gluten, essential for managing coeliac disease.
  2. Autoimmune Disorder - A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.
  3. Malabsorption - Poor absorption of nutrients, common in coeliac disease before treatment.

‍

Start your journey
GlossaryAboutScience
ContactPrivacyCookies
© 2023 Fueld AI Ltd, All rights reserved.