Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system (the body’s defense against infection) mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In people with coeliac disease, the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
When a person with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system damages the lining of their small intestine, specifically the villi (small finger-like projections that increase the intestine’s surface area for nutrient absorption). This damage impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
Symptoms of coeliac disease can include diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, and feeling tired all the time. Some people with coeliac disease may not have any symptoms, but the disease can still cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for coeliac disease. However, most people can manage the disease effectively by maintaining a strictly gluten-free diet. This helps to heal the intestine and reduce symptoms.
Causes of Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. The exact cause is not entirely understood, but it is associated with a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
1. Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a key role in coeliac disease. It runs in families and is significantly more common in those who have a first-degree relative suffering from the condition. The most important genetic risk factors are variant alleles of the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, which are present in almost every patient with coeliac disease.
2. Gluten Intake: Gluten is the primary environmental trigger of coeliac disease. It’s a type of protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their body’s immune system reacts abnormally to the gluten, leading to damage to the lining of their small intestine.
3. Autoimmune Reaction: The immune system mistakenly treats harmless substances (gluten) as a threat and releases inflammation-producing molecules into the bloodstream, which cause damage, particularly to the tiny, finger-like projections (villi) that line the inside of the small intestine.
4. Other factors: Other triggers of coeliac disease can include viral infections, gut bacteria, and pregnancy. However, the research on these triggers is ongoing and less clear-cut.
So basically, coeliac disease is generally agreed to be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and a dietary trigger (gluten), but it’s probably also influenced by other environmental factors.
It’s worth noting that the disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines that contain gluten. Also left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems.
Risk Factors of Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system wrongly attacks healthy tissue. This is triggered by gluten, a dietary protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Here are the main risk factors for coeliac disease:
1. Genetic Factors: Coeliac disease is strongly associated with certain genetic variations which occur in the HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8 genes. People with these genes are more at risk, though not everybody with these genes will develop the disease.
2. Family History: You are more likely to have coeliac disease if a close family member (parent, sibling, child) has the condition.
3. Environmental Factors: The exact environmental causes are not completely understood, but viral infections, gut bacteria, and the timing of gluten introduction during infancy might contribute.
4. Other Autoimmune Conditions: People with certain autoimmune diseases, like type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune liver disease, and Down syndrome, or Turner syndrome, are more likely to have coeliac disease compared to the general population.
5. Age at Gluten Introduction: Some research suggests that the age when a child first consumes gluten-containing food may affect their disease risk.
6. Modes of Childbirth: Some research has pointed to a higher risk in people who were delivered by caesarean section, possibly due to differences in gut bacteria.
7. Gastrointestinal Infections: Some studies suggest an increased risk of coeliac disease after a gastrointestinal infection.
Remember, these risk factors increase the chance of developing coeliac disease, but they do not guarantee that an individual will develop the condition.
Lastly, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional if they suspect they might have coeliac disease or are at risk for developing it.
Signs and Symptoms of Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction damages the lining of the small intestine. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms:
1. Digestive issues: Chronic diarrhoea, bloating, gas, stomach cramps and constipation are often the most common signs of coeliac disease.
2. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can occur due to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly.
3. Fatigue: Lack of energy or feeling tired all the time is common, as the body can’t absorb enough nutrients to produce energy.
4. Iron-deficiency anemia: This is common in coeliac disease, as damage to the gut reduces the absorption of iron.
5. Dermatitis herpetiformis: Some people with coeliac disease develop an itchy, blistering skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis.
6. Mouth ulcers: These along with a dry mouth or tongue can also be signs of coeliac disease.
7. Neurological issues: These may include headaches, balance problems, or even neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands and feet).
8. Joint and Bone Pain: Some people can experience bone and joint pain.
9. Behavioural changes, irritability, depression, anxiety and cognitive difficulties could also be symptoms, especially in children.
However, symptoms can vary greatly between individuals; some may experience severe symptoms while others may have no obvious symptoms at all. If you suspect you have coeliac disease, it is recommended you consult your healthcare provider.
Diagnosis Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person with this disease eats food containing gluten, their immune system reacts and damages the lining of the small intestine.
This damage to the small intestine can cause a variety of symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, constipation, fatigue, unexpected weight loss, skin rash, iron deficiency anemia, and osteoporosis.
Additionally, because the damage affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, untreated coeliac disease can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, including vitamins and minerals.
Diagnosis is typically made through a series of tests, starting with a blood test to detect certain antibodies, followed by a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm the diagnosis.
It’s important to note that coeliac disease is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts for a long time or even a lifetime. However, it can be managed effectively by following a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the intestines to heal and symptoms to improve.
In a smaller number of cases, the disease does not respond to a gluten-free diet. This is known as refractory coeliac disease. In such cases, more aggressive treatment may be needed.
Coeliac disease is also known as celiac disease, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and celiac sprue. It should not be confused with wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity, which are different conditions with dissimilar mechanisms of immune response and clinical presentation.
Treatment of Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that primarily affects the small intestine in genetically predisposed adults and children. It’s triggered by dietary gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
There is currently no cure for coeliac disease, but it can be effectively treated and managed by adhering strictly to a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods and drinks that contain wheat, barley, rye and anything derived from them.
Key points in the treatment include:
1. Gluten-Free Diet: This is the cornerstone of treatment for coeliac disease. It involves avoiding all sources of gluten in the diet. Many grains, starches, dietary fibre, and food additives contain gluten.
2. Nutritional support: People with coeliac disease often have nutritional deficiencies because their bodies are unable to absorb necessary nutrients properly. A specific diet to address and prevent these deficiencies may be needed.
3. Regular follow-ups: Disease management includes regular medical checkups and possible repeat biopsies or blood tests to monitor the recovery of the small intestinal mucosa, nutritional status, and to verify the adherence to and effectiveness of the gluten-free diet.
4. Drugs: Currently, the only available treatment is the lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. There is ongoing research into finding alternative treatments that could include medication.
5. Psychological support: Coeliac disease can affect a person’s quality of life, so psychological support might be needed.
Remember that managing coeliac disease is a long-term commitment and it is always good to consult with a healthcare professional for advice and guidance. Individuals with coeliac disease need to be aware and knowledgeable about their condition and what it entails for their daily life. Training on how to read food labels, for example, can be an essential part of treating and managing coeliac disease.
Medications commonly used for Coeliac disease
Currently, there are no specific medications used to treat coeliac disease. The most effective treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which helps heal the damage in your small intestine and prevent further damage. This means avoiding all foods and drinks containing:
1. Wheat
2. Barley
3. Rye
4. Oats, unless they are labeled gluten-free
A dietician can help you adjust to the gluten-free diet and make sure you are eating a balanced, healthy diet despite your restrictions.
In some cases, if dietary changes aren’t enough or if you have refractory coeliac disease, physicians may recommend steroids or immunosuppressant drugs to control the immune system. However, these are not typical treatments and are usually only used in complicated cases.
People with coeliac disease may also need to supplement certain vitamins and minerals they might not be getting enough of due to malabsorption, like iron, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Remember, it’s always important to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regime. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Prevention of Coeliac disease
Currently, there’s no known way to prevent coeliac disease. This condition is a lifelong disorder that is genetic, meaning it runs in families. There are, however, actions to prevent exacerbation of symptoms and damage to your body if you already have coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, it’s crucial to strictly avoid gluten in your diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine and can cause significant damage over time.
Taking the following steps can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing:
1. Follow a Gluten-free Diet: This is the primary treatment for coeliac disease. All wheat, barley, and rye products must be eliminated. This includes bread, pasta, cereals, and many processed foods. Many grains and starches can be part of a gluten-free diet, including corn, potatoes, quinoa, rice, and soy.
2. Read Product Labels: Be aware that many products may contain hidden sources of gluten. It’s also important to check if products are manufactured in facilities that also process gluten-containing products as cross-contamination is possible.
3. Consider a Multivitamin: People with coeliac disease often have some degree of malnutrition because the disease can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. A multivitamin can restore necessary nutrients.
4. Maintain regular follow-ups with your doctor: Effective management of the disease requires regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure your symptoms are under control and to manage any complications.
5. Seek Out a Support Group: Good emotional support can help cope with the lifestyle adjustments that coeliac disease requires.
Remember to always consult your doctor or a dietitian experienced in coeliac disease. They can help you plan a healthy, balanced diet to make sure you get all the nutrients you need.
FAQ’s about Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a condition that affects the digestive system, caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which can be found in wheat, barley, and rye. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about coeliac disease:
1. What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
Symptoms can vary greatly but often include diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and constipation. Some people might experience severe weight loss, anemia, fatigue, or failure to thrive (in children).
2. Is coeliac disease hereditary?
Yes, coeliac disease is known to have a genetic component. People with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who has coeliac disease are at higher risk of developing the condition.
3. Is there a cure for coeliac disease?
While there’s no cure for coeliac disease, it can be managed by following a strict gluten-free diet. This helps keep symptoms under control and prevents long-term damage to your intestines.
4. Can coeliac disease develop later in life?
Yes, coeliac disease can develop at any age, even if you’ve been eating gluten your whole life without any issues.
5. How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
Coeliac disease is usually diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and a biopsy taken during an endoscopy. Doctors examine antibodies in your blood and changes in your small intestine.
6. How strict does a gluten-free diet need to be for someone with coeliac disease?
For someone with coeliac disease, a gluten-free diet needs to be very strict. Even small amounts of gluten can cause problems, so it’s important to check all food labels and avoid cross-contamination.
7. Can you die from coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease itself isn’t life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems like osteoporosis, fertility problems or small bowel cancer. Also, severe complications can occur like coeliac crisis with severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
8. Is a gluten-free diet safe if I don’t have coeliac disease?
A gluten-free diet is generally safe but may not provide any health benefits if you don’t have coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Plus, it can be challenging to get enough essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and B vitamins.
Please consult with a healthcare provider if you think you may have coeliac disease or to discuss concerns.
Useful links
Coeliac disease is a condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction means that the body can’t properly absorb the nutrients it needs, leading to a range of symptoms and related conditions.
Symptoms could include bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, tiredness, unexpected weight loss, hair loss, skin rash, problems with balance and coordination, and nerve damage.
For further information and research, consider looking up the below links to journals and studies involving Coeliac disease:
Please note that access to some of these articles may require a subscription or purchase.
Complications of Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease, also known as celiac disease, is a chronic digestive disorder resulting from an immune reaction to gliadin, a gluten protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. When individuals with coeliac disease consume foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the tiny, fingerlike protrusions lining the small intestine called villi, which play a crucial role in nutrient absorption.
Some complications associated with coeliac disease include:
1. Malnutrition: Severe damage to your small intestine means it can’t absorb enough nutrients. Malnutrition can lead to anaemia and weight loss. In children, malnutrition can cause slow growth and short stature.
2. Calcium loss: Damaged villi can lead to a deficiency of iron, folate, vitamin K and vitamin D, causing problems such as weak bones (osteoporosis) and in severe cases, can cause problems related to the central nervous system.
3. Lactose intolerance: Damage to your small intestine may cause you to have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. While the intolerance usually improves after the intestine has healed, the degree of lactose intolerance varies from person to person.
4. Cancer: People with coeliac disease who don’t maintain a strict gluten-free diet have a greater risk of developing several forms of cancer, including small bowel cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and adenocarcinoma of the small intestine.
5. Neurological problems: Some people with celiac disease may develop neurological problems such as seizures or peripheral neuropathy (disease of the nerves that lead to the hands and feet).
6. Infertility: Unexplained infertility may also be linked to celiac disease.
7. Dermatitis herpetiformis: It is a chronic blistering skin condition, caused by gluten intolerance.
It’s important to note that treatment and lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet can prevent many of these complications. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional can provide guidance and check coeliac disease management.
Home remedies of Coeliac disease
While there’s no home remedy to treat coeliac disease itself, it can be effectively managed by following a strict gluten-free diet. Coeliac disease is a chronic disorder that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. This is primarily caused due to a person’s intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Below are some ways to handle coeliac disease at home:
1. Strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet: This includes avoiding foods and drinks containing barley, rye, oats, wheat, and anything made from these grains. Plenty of foods naturally do not contain gluten like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, beans, lentils, and nuts. Many grains and starches are safe too, like rice, quinoa, potato, corn, amaranth, arrowroot, millet, and buckwheat.
2. Keep a food diary: Note down what you eat and any symptoms you experience. This can help you identify if there’s hidden gluten in any of the foods you regularly eat, which may be triggering symptoms.
3. Educate yourself: Read labels carefully as gluten can be hidden in unexpected items such as sauces, candies, dressings, spice blends, and even medications.
4. Separate food preparation areas: To avoid cross-contamination, have separate areas for preparing gluten-free and gluten-containing foods. Even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
5. Nutrient supplementation: Due to malabsorption, individuals with coeliac could be deficient in certain nutrients like iron, calcium, fiber, folate, zinc etc. Consult a dietician or healthcare professional for appropriate supplementation.
6. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and maintaining stress can be beneficial too, as with any autoimmune disease.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalised advice. They can provide more in-depth guidance tailored to your specific condition and nutritional needs.