WHAT IS COELIAC DISEASE?
Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disorder typified by hyper-sensitivity of the lining of the small intestine to gluten. Eating food containing gluten causes the immune system to kick into defence mode and begin attacking the intruder.
Gluten, a protein that’s insoluble in our digestive system, passes undigested through your stomach and sticks to the lining of the intestine. As your immune system tries to get rid of it, the lining (villi) is damaged, becoming inflamed and stunting the finger like nodes, which normally aid in the absorption of nutrients.
Coeliac’s feel the effects of this battle in the short term through symptoms like nausea, bloating, wind, and diaorrhea. In the longer term though, problems like mouth ulcers, malnutrition, osteoporosis, anemia and diabetes can develop.
There is no cure. Symptoms can only be treated by removing gluten from your diet. The good news is provided you deal with it quickly, once you go gluten-free, your body will recover completely.
COULD I HAVE IT?
Symptoms of sensitivity to gluten include:
- Feeling unwell after eating. If you make the connection between eating any food containing gluten (see our Foods Containing Gluten page) and you experiencing nausea, you may be Coeliac.
- Bloating, flatulence, vomiting, constipation, diaorrhea or abdominal pain.
- Fatigue, lethargy, weakness.
- Irritability and/or altered alertness levels.
- Skin rashes, and/or easy bruising of the skin.
- Bone and joint pain.
- Anaemia (iron deficiency) or other vitamin deficiencies.
- Mouth ulcers or swelling of the tongue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Children can also exhibit these symptoms, may seem slow in their physical development and even experience delayed puberty.
Many of these symptoms can be attributed to other causes in isolation, but if you feel unsure about the cause, or if you observe them in your children, it’s important to ask your doctor for a formal diagnosis as soon as possible.