Coeliac disease
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a pathology characterised by permanent intolerance to gluten. This substance is present in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Gluten damages the lining of the small intestine, causing it not to absorb the necessary components of the food, i.e nutrients. It occurs in genetically predisposed individuals who suffer from atrophy of the villi of the small intestine.
The disease can manifest itself at any time of life, from infancy to adulthood. People with family members who suffer from coeliac disease have a greater predisposition to suffer from it. It occurs more often in women than in men.
What are the symptoms?
Depending on the degree of intolerance, there may be only a few symptoms which present, or a great many. It is also possible that no symptoms present.
The most common manifestations of coeliac disease are:
- abdominal pain
- gas
- indigestion
- constipation
- decreased or increased appetite
- diarrhoea
- nausea or vomiting
- unexplained weight loss.
Other problems may also occur such as being more prone to bruising, depression, anxiety, fatigue, delayed growth in children, hair loss, dermatitis, mouth ulcers, nosebleeds, and muscle cramps, and absence of menstrual periods, among others.
Causes of coeliac disease
The exact cause of coeliac disease is unknown. When people with coeliac disease consume foods with gluten, whether or not they are aware of their disease, their immune system causes damage to the villi in the small intestine. This in turn makes the small intestine unable to adequately absorb iron, vitamins and nutrients.
Can it be prevented?
As the cause of coeliac disease is not known, there is no way to prevent its appearance. However, it is important to take into account certain risk factors such as having a family member with this disorder, for early diagnosis and treatment.
What is the treatment?
Coeliac disease cannot be cured. The treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet for life. This helps the symptoms disappear and to heal the villi in the lining of the intestines.
If adequate treatment is not given, certain complications can occur such as autoimmune disorders, bone disease, intestinal cancer, anaemia, or liver disease.
Articles related to
A short guide to coeliac disease
By Dr Stuart Bloom
2019-11-21
We are often told to watch what we eat, but this couldn’t be more important for patients with coeliac disease. Certain foods trigger the body’s own immune system to attack the lining of the gut. If untreated, this can lead to serious consequences. We talked to top gastroenterologist Dr Stuart Bloom, who answered our questions about coeliac disease. See more
IBS symptoms: could they mean something else?
By Dr Lisa Das
2019-11-21
Symptoms aren't always what they seem. Leading consultant gastroenterologist Dr Lisa Das tells us about 4 other conditions to watch out for that share the same symptoms as irritable bowel syndrome. See more
Who really needs to eat gluten-free?
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2019-11-18
It seems that gluten has developed a bad reputation these days, with many of us opting for gluten-free alternatives and cutting out a key part of our diet altogether. But does everyone really need to eat this way? Top gastroenterologist Dr Aathavan Loganayagam is here to explain the symptoms of the medical conditions that may require some people to eat a gluten-free diet. See more
Coeliac disease: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
By Professor Paul Ciclitira
2019-11-13
Professor Ciclitira discusses coeliac disease (CD), a digestive condition which leaves the body unable to absorb nutrients due to gluten intolerance. It affects 1% of the UK population who need to follow a gluten-free diet. In this article, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of CD are explored. See more
Experts in
-
Dr Christos Toumpanakis
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Acid reflux
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Coeliac disease
- Dysphagia
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
-
Dr Stuart Bloom
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Coeliac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acid reflux
- Stomach ulcer
- Food intolerance