Find A Professional
More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
Understanding Coeliac Disease
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. It is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with coeliac disease consume gluten, their immune system mounts an inappropriate response, attacking and damaging the lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of coeliac disease in the UK include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fatigue. However, symptoms can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing non-digestive symptoms such as anaemia, osteoporosis, and skin rashes. Diagnosing coeliac disease generally involves a blood test to detect specific antibodies, followed by a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm villous atrophy, which is the characteristic damage seen in this condition.
Living with Coeliac Disease
Once diagnosed, the primary treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This diet involves avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye, as well as being cautious about cross-contamination. Many supermarkets in the UK now offer a wide range of gluten-free products, making it easier for individuals to manage their diet. People with coeliac disease should also be aware of hidden gluten in processed foods, medications, and even some personal care products.
Support and Resources
Living with coeliac disease can be challenging, but plenty of resources and support systems are available in the UK. Coeliac UK is a national charity that provides comprehensive information, support groups, and online resources to help individuals manage their condition. They also offer a gluten-free food and drink directory and a mobile app to help identify safe foods while shopping or eating out.
Conclusion
Coeliac disease requires lifelong management, but with proper awareness, diagnosis, and adherence to a gluten-free diet, individuals can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. It is essential to seek support from healthcare providers, as well as organisations like Coeliac UK, to navigate the complexities of the condition. Increased awareness and understanding will continue to improve the lives of those affected by coeliac disease in the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Useful links from: Coeliac Disease Explained - Gluten Sensitivity - A to Z of the NHS - Dr Gill
- NHS - Coeliac Disease Comprehensive information from the NHS about coeliac disease, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and guidance on living with the condition.
- Coeliac UK The UK's leading charity for people with coeliac disease, providing support, resources, and advocacy for those affected by gluten-related disorders.
- NHS - Gluten Sensitivity Information from the NHS on gluten sensitivity, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
- Guts UK A charity focusing on digestive health, offering information and support on various gut issues, including coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Useful links from: Coeliac Disease: Session 1: What is Coeliac Disease?
- NHS - Coeliac disease Official NHS page on Coeliac disease, explaining what it is, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options available.
- Coeliac UK - What is Coeliac disease? Comprehensive information from Coeliac UK, a leading charity, on what Coeliac disease is, including symptoms, diagnosis, and managing the condition.
- Coeliac UK - Newly diagnosed Dedicated section by Coeliac UK for those newly diagnosed with Coeliac disease, offering guidance and support for understanding and managing the condition.
- NHS Inform - Coeliac disease A reliable resource from NHS Inform providing detailed information on Coeliac disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and how to live with the disease.
Useful links from: Diagnosing Coeliac Disease Updated 2021
- NHS - Coeliac disease This NHS page provides comprehensive information about coeliac disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
- Coeliac UK - Diagnosis Coeliac UK offers detailed guidance on how coeliac disease is diagnosed, including what to expect from a blood test and biopsy.
- NICE - Coeliac disease: recognition, assessment and management (NG20) The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG20 covers the recognition, assessment, and management of coeliac disease.
- Guts UK - Coeliac Disease Information Guts UK provides information on coeliac disease, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the treatments available.
Useful links from: Living Well with Coeliac Disease
- NHS - Coeliac disease Overview of coeliac disease including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition from the National Health Service (NHS).
- Coeliac UK - Living with Coeliac Disease Comprehensive resource on living with coeliac disease provided by Coeliac UK, the charity dedicated to supporting those with the condition and their families.
- NHS - Coeliac disease: Foods to avoid Advice on foods to avoid with coeliac disease and substitutes that are available, from the NHS.
- Coeliac UK - Gluten-Free Diet Information on maintaining a gluten-free diet and lifestyle from Coeliac UK, including guidance on food labeling and eating out.
Useful links from: Causes of coeliac disease
- NHS - Coeliac disease Provides information on the causes of coeliac disease, including genetic factors and how the immune system reacts to gluten.
- Coeliac UK - What causes coeliac disease? Explains the factors that may contribute to the development of coeliac disease, focusing on genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
- NHS Inform - Coeliac Disease Offers comprehensive details on coeliac disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Coeliac UK - Coeliac Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis Provides information on the various symptoms of coeliac disease and how it is diagnosed, as well as factors that can aggravate the condition.
Useful links from: NHSGGC - What is Coeliac Disease?
- NHS - Coeliac disease Comprehensive guide on coeliac disease provided by the NHS, covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
- Coeliac UK - What is coeliac disease? Detailed information about coeliac disease from Coeliac UK, a leading charity for people with the condition. Includes resources for diagnosis, diet, and support.
- Gluten Free Society UK - Coeliac disease Resources and support provided by the Gluten Free Society UK, focusing on the causes, symptoms, and management of coeliac disease.
- British Dietetic Association - Coeliac disease Professional guidance from the British Dietetic Association on managing coeliac disease, including dietary advice and nutritional information.
Useful links from: Symptoms of coeliac disease
- NHS - Coeliac disease Comprehensive information from the NHS on coeliac disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management.
- Coeliac UK - Symptoms of coeliac disease Coeliac UK provides detailed insights into the various symptoms of coeliac disease, including digestive and non-digestive symptoms.
- NHS Inform - Coeliac Disease NHS Inform offers a thorough overview of coeliac disease, focusing on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Coeliac UK - Living with coeliac disease This page from Coeliac UK provides support and information for people living with coeliac disease, including dietary advice and symptom management.
More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.