Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is your body’s reaction to gluten. If you have coeliac disease your immune system reacts to wheat, barley or rye by attacking the lining of your intestine. Some patients also react to oats.
Symptoms of coeliac disease may include:
- Nausea
- Feeling bloated
- Diarrhoea
- Wind
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Feeling tired
- Mouth ulcers
- Sudden weight loss
- Hair loss
Left untreated, long term complications of coeliac disease can include anaemia and osteoporosis.
How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
Screening for coeliac disease usually involves a blood test to check for coeliac disease antibodies. If your blood test results are negative and you continue to suffer symptoms, a biopsy using an endoscope to remove samples of your small intestine may be recommended.
There is no cure for coeliac disease, however a gluten free diet can be effective in controlling any symptoms.
For more information including help in maintain a gluten-free diet and lifestyle, visit the Coeliac UK website.