Coeliac Disease

Coeliac Disease

• About coeliac disease
• Symptoms of coeliac disease
• Causes of coeliac disease
• Diagnosing coeliac disease
• Treating coeliac disease
• Complications of coeliac disease

About coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune condition where the immune system in a person’s intestine (gut) reacts when they eat gluten. This causes chronic inflammation.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Gluten is found in food and drink that contains wheat, barley and rye, such as:

• most types of bread
• pasta
• cakes
• biscuits
• crackers
• many breakfast cereals
• pastry
• certain types of sauces
• some types of ready meals
• most beers and lagers
• certain fruit squashes

How many people have coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease affects 1 person in every 100. Only about one third of them are ever diagnosed.

Coeliac disease can be diagnosed at any age.

Reported cases of coeliac disease are twice as high in women than men.

Symptoms

Coeliac disease can cause a wide range of symptoms in the digestive system and rest of the body.

Symptoms can develop at any age, but coeliac disease is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60 years.

More about the symptoms of coeliac disease or what is coeliac disease?

Causes

Coeliac disease is more common in people with certain conditions and in relatives of people with coeliac disease. It’s unknown exactly why people develop the condition.

More about the causes of coeliac disease

Diagnosis

Most people with coeliac disease have antibodies in their blood. The first stage in diagnosis is a simple blood test. The second stage might result in a biopsy, if necessary.

More about how coeliac disease is diagnosed

Treatment

Coeliac disease can be effectively treated with a gluten-free diet. By adopting a gluten-free diet and lifestyle, you can manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

More about how coeliac disease is treated

Complications

If coeliac disease isn’t treated, you’re at greater risk of conditions like osteoporosis and cancer in later life.

More about the complications of coeliac disease

Living well with coeliac disease

Living with coeliac disease can be challenging but with the right support and information, it’s completely manageable.