Did you know that this week, from March 13th to 20th, is Coeliac Awareness Week? It’s the perfect time to spread the word about coeliac disease and how it affects so many people. Whether you're personally affected, know someone who is, or just want to learn more, we're here to help you understand the condition better.
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks itself when gluten is consumed. Gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. The cause of coeliac disease is not fully understood, but it is believed that both genetics and environmental factors play important roles. It can develop at any age, even in adulthood.
Signs and Symptoms
One of the tricky things about coeliac disease is that it doesn’t always show clear symptoms. In fact, about 80% of people with coeliac disease in Australia are undiagnosed. Some people experience a wide range of symptoms, while others feel perfectly fine.
Common symptoms include:
Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Fatigue or low energy.
Headaches/migraines and difficulty concentrating.
Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight, or delayed growth in children.
Nutrient deficiencies, such as iron.
Skin rashes.
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (a condition called peripheral neuropathy).
Joint pain, osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Missed periods or infertility in women.
How is Coeliac Disease Diagnosed?
If you suspect coeliac disease, it's important to keep eating gluten until you've had testing, as stopping gluten can affect the results. The process generally starts with a blood test, which your local doctor can arrange. The common tests used are:
Transglutaminase-IgA (tTG-IgA) antibody test, along with a total IgA level OR
Transglutaminase-IgA (tTG-IgA) and deamidated gliadin peptide-IgG (DGP-IgG) antibody tests
If any of these tests show abnormal results, you will be referred to a specialist (gastroenterologist) for further testing. A small bowel biopsy will be performed during a procedure called a gastroscopy or endoscopy. The biopsy can confirm whether there’s damage to the intestinal lining, a hallmark of coeliac disease.
How is Coeliac Disease Treated?
Currently, the only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Following this diet helps to heal the small intestine, reduce symptoms, and significantly improve quality of life.
It’s important to note that healing takes time. You might not feel better immediately, but most people start to notice significant improvements within about six months of following a gluten-free diet.
Coeliac Disease vs Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
You don’t have Coeliac Disease but gluten still upsets you? You may have a gluten intolerance, also known as Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS). This is a condition where people experience symptoms similar to coeliac disease after eating gluten, but there is no autoimmune response or damage to the intestine. There are no specific tests for NCGS, so it’s usually diagnosed by eliminating other possible conditions and following an elimination diet under the guidance of a dietitian.
How Can We Help?
If you've been diagnosed with coeliac disease, consulting with a dietitian is crucial. We can help you navigate the complexities of a gluten-free diet, ensuring you meet your nutritional needs while also avoiding gluten.
For more information on coeliac disease, be sure to check out Coeliac Australia’s website: https://coeliac.org.au/
Written by Katie Vickers (APD)
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