Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease has the following symptoms triggered by ingesting gluten – severe abdominal pain, anaemia, bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, gas. It can also trigger a skin rash, headaches, mouth ulcers, tingling in the hands and feet and bone or joint pain.

The symptoms of Coeliac disease are caused when the patient ingests gluten. The cause of the condition seems to have a strong genetic link. However, there also appears to be a link between gut bacteria and infant feeding practices. People with a family history of Coeliac disease, and people with pre-existing Type-1 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Auto-immune Thyroid disease, Lymphocytic colitis and Addison’s disease are at a higher risk of developing Coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease can cause serious malnutrition and lactose intolerance, resulting in bone weakening, problems with the nervous system, infertility and increased risk of cancer.

Coeliac disease is diagnosed using a combination of 2 blood tests – A Serology test to check for antibodies created in response to gluten, and a DNA test to check for Genetic Predisposition to Coeliac disease. If the blood tests indicate Coeliac disease, the doctor may follow up with an endoscopy or a capsule endoscopy to review the extent of damage to the villi. In addition, the doctor may recommend a skin biopsy to check for dermatitis herpetiformis.

The only way to manage Coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. A licensed dietician can help create a gluten-free diet avoiding all the trace forms of gluten. Removal of gluten from the diet gradually reduce inflammation and then allow healing.

Coeliac disease cannot be prevented, but a flare-up can be prevented by sticking to a gluten-free diet.