Coeliac disease is a quite common condition which often remains undiagnosed for long
resulting in ill health from gastrointestinal symptoms, anaemia, failure to grow in
children and even long term problems with osteoporosis and
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction of the intestines to gluten. Gluten is a
protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Therefore it is contained in most types of
bread, pasta, cerals etc. Gluten is not contained in rice, corn and oats.
The commoner symptoms which may raise suspicion of celiac disease are:
1.Family history of celiac disease
2.Anaemia (iron deficiency or other)
3.Diarrhoea
4.Abdominal pain
5.Unexplained nausea – vomiting –atypical gastrointestinal symptoms
6.Fatigue
7.Weight loss
8.Failure to thrive
There are often co-existing conditions such as autoimmune thyroid disease, dermatitis
herpetiformis, irritable bowel syndrome and type I diabetes.
The diagnosis of coeliac disease is done with blood tests -serology testing for several
antibodies. If the serology testing is positive the diagnosis is confirmed with intestinal
biopsies. For both the serology testing and the intestinal antibodies the patient must
have been on diet containing gluten for more than one meal a day and at least 6
weeks. Therefore there should be no effort to abstain from gluten on suspicion of
diagnosis.
If the diagnosis is confirmed abstinence form gluten with the help of a dietitian can
make symptoms disappear and restore health. Currently there is research on
production of vaccination which if successful may change the management of the
condition.
The coeliac disease guidelines of NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence can
be read by clicking on the link.
Coeliac Disease
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