Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is a life-long autoimmune disease, which is triggered by eating gluten, a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people also react to oats. For people with coeliac disease, eating gluten damages the lining of the gut, which prevents normal digestion and absorption of food. There are serious health problems associated with coeliac disease including osteoporosis, bowel cancer and increased risk of other autoimmune diseases.

At least 1 in 100 people are estimated to suffer from coeliac disease in the UK and also 1 in 100 in Europe; however, according to a recent study only 1 in 8 cases are diagnosed.

If a person suspects they might have coeliac disease, the first step is for them to discuss their symptoms with their GP who can take a simple blood test to check for antibodies. Antibodies are produced by the body in response to eating gluten. It is therefore essential to continue to eat a normal gluten containing diet prior to getting tested.  The next step is for the GP to refer to a hospital specialist (gastroenterologist) for a gut biopsy. This is a simple procedure performed in out-patients which looks for damage in the gut that is typical in coeliac disease.

For more information on coeliac disease contact Coeliac UK: www.coeliac.org.uk