Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered by gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods made with wheat and barley. It can also be found in oats. Gluten can also be found in processed foods such as mustard and soya sauce, certain medicines, vitamins and lipsticks.

Gluten intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest or break down gluten. It ranges from mild sensitivity to gluten to severe malabsorption. Coeliac disease occurs when the immune response to gluten creates toxins which then destroys the villi. Villi are tiny finger-like protrusions made up of cells in the small intestine. They help absorb nutrients from digested food and transport those nutrients into your bloodstream in order for them to travel to where they needed. Damaged villi result in the body not able to absorb nutrients leading to malnutrition and other serious health complications such as permanent intestinal damage.

Coeliac disease can affect both children and adults. In children, coeliac disease can cause symptoms like weight loss, persistent diarrhoea and abdominal bloating, excessive gassiness and pain. Coeliac disease's signs and symptoms in adults can be quite subtle and include iron deficiency anaemia, skin disorders, pale sores inside the mouth, and joint pain or stiffness. Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), an intensely itchy skin rash made up of bumps and blisters, is another symptom of coeliac disease.

Dr John Wright will perform 2 sets of blood tests: serology testing to look for antibodies to wheat and genetic testing to look for hereditary factors. A gastroscopy may be done to take a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. A capsule video endoscopy may be needed to examine the severity and extent of the damage to the villi. Coeliac disease treatment includes permanently removing gluten from your diet to allow the intestinal villi to heal and start reabsorbing nutrients properly. Medications to manage intestinal inflammation and dermatitis herpetiformis may be prescribed.