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What is Coeliac Disease?
Understanding Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition where the body's immune system reacts negatively to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with coeliac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine's lining, leading to damage and an inability to properly absorb nutrients from food.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Symptoms of coeliac disease can vary widely among individuals and can affect multiple systems in the body. Common symptoms include:
- Digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, and bloating
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Anaemia
- Bone and joint pain
- Skin rashes, such as dermatitis herpetiformis
Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease
To diagnose coeliac disease, a combination of blood tests and a biopsy of the small intestine is typically used. Blood tests check for specific antibodies that are usually elevated in individuals with coeliac disease. If blood tests suggest coeliac disease, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis by examining the small intestine's tissue for damage caused by gluten consumption.
Treatment and Management
The primary treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This diet helps to manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the small intestine. People with coeliac disease should avoid foods containing wheat, barley, rye, and derivatives of these grains. Many foods are naturally gluten-free, and there are many gluten-free alternatives available in supermarkets and restaurants.
Support and Resources
The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) offers various resources and support for individuals diagnosed with coeliac disease. Dietitians can provide guidance on maintaining a balanced and varied gluten-free diet. Additionally, there are support groups and charities such as Coeliac UK, which provide further information, advice, and community support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It affects the absorption of nutrients from food.
What are the symptoms of Coeliac Disease?
Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss, though they can vary widely among individuals.
How is Coeliac Disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves blood tests to detect specific antibodies and is confirmed by a biopsy of the small intestine.
What foods must be avoided with Coeliac Disease?
Foods containing gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye, must be avoided.
Is there a cure for Coeliac Disease?
There is no cure for Coeliac Disease, but it can be managed effectively by adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.
Can children have Coeliac Disease?
Yes, children can develop Coeliac Disease. Symptoms in children may include growth issues, irritability, and digestive problems.
Can Coeliac Disease develop later in life?
Yes, Coeliac Disease can develop at any age.
Is Coeliac Disease genetic?
Coeliac Disease has a genetic component and can run in families. First-degree relatives of a person with Coeliac Disease have a higher risk.
What is the treatment for Coeliac Disease?
The only treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet, which helps to manage symptoms and prevent intestinal damage.
What happens if a person with Coeliac Disease eats gluten?
Ingesting gluten can cause symptoms to return and can lead to long-term intestinal damage and other health complications.
Can gluten-free foods be contaminated with gluten?
Yes, cross-contamination can occur if gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten-containing foods during preparation or processing.
Are oats safe for people with Coeliac Disease?
Pure, uncontaminated oats are generally safe, but it's important to ensure they have not been contaminated with gluten during processing.
What support is available for people with Coeliac Disease?
Support includes dietitian services, Coeliac UK resources, and support groups which provide information, recipes, and emotional support.
Can Coeliac Disease lead to other health issues?
Untreated Coeliac Disease can lead to complications like osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Can people with Coeliac Disease eat out safely?
Yes, but they need to ensure that the restaurant understands gluten-free requirements and practices safe food handling to avoid cross-contamination.
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: Coeliac disease
- NHS - Coeliac Disease The NHS page on Coeliac Disease provides comprehensive information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
- Coeliac UK Coeliac UK is a charity that offers support, information, and resources for those affected by coeliac disease. Their website features guides on gluten-free living, research updates, and membership benefits.
- NHS - Gluten-Free Diet This NHS page provides detailed information about gluten-free diets, including tips for managing coeliac disease through dietary changes and ensuring nutritional balance.
- Gluten Free Food Trust The Gluten Free Food Trust is a UK-based charity dedicated to advocating for those with coeliac disease. They offer information on finding safe foods, navigating social situations, and the latest on gluten-free research.
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: 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.
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