What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is a condition in which your small intestine fails to digest and absorb
food; it arises in people whose intestinal lining is very sensitive to a sort of protein
called gliadin. (This is contained in wheat germ, barley and rye. The protein causes
the lining of the intestine to become hard, (or to “atrophy”).
For further information follow this link
How is Coeliac Disease diagnosed?
A blood test (TTG test)
Your doctor may arrange a simple blood test “TTG” to rule out Coeliac disease.
A biopsy of your small intestine (please see procedure link > Gastroscopy )
A flexible tube (an “endoscope”) will be passed into your stomach and upper intestine, via your mouth. During the examination a biopsy (removal of small tissue) of small intestine is taken. When viewed under a microscope, it is possible to confirm of rule out Coeliac disease.
How is Coeliac Disease treated?
The treatment for Coeliac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. Gluten is present in Wheat, Barley and Rye (e.g. Bread, Cakes, Pastries, Pasta, Barley, Rye, Beer, Indian curries and pizza etc).
The Coeliac Society in UK (Coeliac UK ) produces an updated list of thousands of branded gluten-free items that you can purchase in supermarkets. Their details are set out below.
Coeliac Society of the UK, PO Box 220, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2HY.
Tel: 01494 437 278
