Also known as: Coeliac Disease (Celiac Sprue)
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition where ingestion of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining, impairing nutrient absorption.
Coeliac disease affects approximately 1% of the global population, though up to 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. It is not a food intolerance — it is a serious autoimmune condition.
Gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the villi lining the small intestine. This villous atrophy impairs nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in iron, calcium, B12, and folate.
Coeliac disease has diverse presentations — many patients have 'silent' or 'atypical' disease with minimal digestive symptoms but significant extra-intestinal manifestations.
People with Coeliac Disease often experience the following symptoms.
Diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, and gas — the classic presentation, though not present in all patients.
May be the only presenting sign. Impaired iron absorption in the duodenum causes chronic anemia.
An intensely itchy, blistering skin rash, most commonly on elbows, knees, and buttocks — pathognomonic for coeliac disease.
Impaired calcium and vitamin D absorption leads to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Coeliac Disease.
Common approaches to managing coeliac disease. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
The only treatment. Complete elimination of wheat, barley, and rye. Even small amounts of gluten cause damage.
Iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12, and folate supplementation to correct deficiencies during intestinal healing.
Serial blood tests (tTG-IgA) and potential repeat biopsy to confirm healing on gluten-free diet.
For the rare cases that do not respond to strict gluten-free diet, immunosuppressive therapy may be needed.
Blood tests for tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) antibodies. Confirmed by duodenal biopsy showing villous atrophy. Patients MUST be eating gluten during testing for accurate results.
See a doctor if you have persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained anemia, bone pain, or a blistering skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), especially with a family history of coeliac disease.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening coeliac disease.
No prevention for coeliac disease itself
Strict gluten-free diet prevents complications
Screen first-degree relatives
Regular monitoring of nutritional status
If left untreated or poorly managed, coeliac disease may lead to:
No. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition with measurable antibodies and intestinal damage. Gluten sensitivity does not cause this damage.
No. It is a lifelong condition. The gluten-free diet must be maintained permanently.
Very strict. Even 50mg of gluten (a small breadcrumb) can trigger immune-mediated intestinal damage.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.