About Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye). When people with Coeliac disease consume gluten their intestines become inflamed leading to difficulties in absorbing other nutrients.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Commonly patients suffer with the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Bloating
It is also possible to experience other symptoms such as feeling tired, a blistering itchy skin rash, nerve problems and problems affecting balance and coordination.
Coeliac disease is cause by the body's immune system attacking healthy tissue by mistake. This is called an autoimmune condition. The immune system incorrectly identifies the gluten as a treat to the body and tries to attack it - this damages the lining of the small intestines causing it to swell up. This irritation and inflammation to the lining of the small intestines stop the bowel from absorbing important nutrients from the food and this leads to many of the symptoms listed above.
Managing Coeliac Disease
The only treatment for coeliac disease is to follow a gluten free diet. Removing gluten from the diet usually leads to an improvement in all symptoms.
Food that you will most likely need to avoid include, amongst other things:
- Bread
- Cakes
- Pasta
- Breakfast cereals
Our doctors are available now to help you with coeliac disease or any other medical condition which you would normally see your GP about. Book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.