Coeliac
Coeliac Disease is a multi-sympton, multi-system disorder activated by eating gluten – proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. Oats can also be a problem for some Coeliacs.
If you suspect you may have Coeliac Disease you should talk to your GP about specific blood tests for a preliminary diagnosis. Do not self diagnose. You must be following a daily diet that contains gluten in order to get accurate test results.
In Coeliac disease, eating gluten causes the lining of the gut (small bowel) to become damaged and may affect other parts of the body. Symptoms of Coeliac disease vary from person to person and are not always related to the gut. They may include one or more of the following:
- Recurring bloating, gas or abdominal pain
- Fatigue, weakness or lack of energy
- Iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
- Unexplained weight los or weight gain (not in all cases)
- Recurrent mouth ulcers
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Tooth discolouration or loss of enamel
- Osteoporosis
- Depression
- Infertility male and female
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Bone or joint pain
- Neurological (nerve) problems such as ataxia (poor muscle co-ordination) and neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)
Coeliac disease is a lifelong, inherited autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks it’s own tissues. It is not an allergy or simple food intolerance and can occur at any time in a person’s life.