What does it mean to have Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease, also known as celiac disease, is a common digestive condition where a person is intolerant (has an adverse reaction) to the protein gluten. If someone with coeliac disease is exposed to gluten, they may experience a wide range of symptoms and adverse effects.
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If successfully diagnosed, the outlook for coeliac disease is generally good. There is no cure for coeliac disease, but switching to a gluten-free diet should help control the condition's symptoms.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Minor symptoms:
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Indigestion
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Stomach Pain
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Bloating
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Iron Deficiency
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Appetite Loss
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Major symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Stomach Craps
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Muscle Spasms
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Swelling of hands, feet, arms, and legs
Causes of Coeliac Disease
It has not been properly identified how exactly people start to develop coeliac disease, or why some people have very mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms.
However, a number of risk factors have been identified that increase your risk of developing coeliac disease.
These include
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Family history
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Environmental factors
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Other health conditions
Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease
The first stage towards diagnosis is a blood test with your GP who will test for antibodies.
Following a positive blood test, the most definitive way to diagnose coeliac disease is by taking a biopsy from the small intestine
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