Gluten sensitivity screening at North Staffordshire Hospital

If you have coeliac disease your immune system reacts to wheat, barley or rye by attacking the lining of your intestine and preventing proper absorption of nutrients from food. 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

Screening for coeliac disease usually involves a blood test to check for coeliac disease antibodies.

Non coeliac gluten sensitivity occurs when symptoms similar to coeliac disease are experienced, but there are no associated antibodies and no damage to the lining of the gut.