Coeliac Disease
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about coeliac disease.
What Is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the intestines upon consuming foods containing gluten, such as those found in wheat.
What Are the Symptoms of Coeliac Disease?
- Eating foods that contain glutenprotein causes irritation in thedigestive system, with symptoms including:.
- Constipation or diarrhoea.
- Stomach pain.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Gas..
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Weight loss.
Persistent fatigue.
- Other symptoms include:
- Anemia..
- Headaches.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Neuropathy..
Anxiety or depression.
What Causes Coeliac Disease?
- Coeliac disease results from the immune system attacking the intestines when consuming products that contain gluten. There are factors that increase the risk of developing coeliac disease:
- Family history.
Infection in the digestive system, such as rotavirus infection during childhood.
How Is it Diagnosed?:
- The doctor will take a medical history and perform a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Blood tests for antibodies.
Genetictesting..
If the results suggest a possibility of coeliac disease, the doctor may request an endoscopy and a biopsy of the digestive tract.
How Is Coeliac Disease Treated?
There is no cure for coeliac disease; only follow a healthy gluten-free diet.
In case of severe inflammation, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medications.
How Can Coeliac Disease be Prevented?
- There is no known way to prevent coeliac disease, but you can prevent complications by following these guidelines:
- Read food labels carefully, especially for added ingredients.
Inform the medical team that you have a wheat allergy or coeliac disease.
What Are the Complications of Coeliac Disease?
- Complications of coeliac disease pose a risk only for those who are undiagnosed or continue to eat products containing gluten protein, and they include:.
- Osteoporosis.
- Anemia.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Delayed puberty (in children).
- Damage to tooth enamel.
- Learning difficulties (in children).
Neuropathy.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If any of the symptoms mentioned above appear, please visit a doctor immediately.:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having coeliac disease affect the quality of life?
If the guidelines are followed and gluten-containing foods are avoided, you will not experience any symptoms, God willing. However, some may find it challenging to follow the guidelines and avoid gluten-containing foods, which can affect their quality of life.
What should I do before undergoing coeliac disease testing?
