Coeliac Disease Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

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A patient’s story

Amelia, a 34 year old teacher, had felt unwell for years. She lived with persistent bloating, irregular bowel habits, and severe fatigue. Although she ate well, she struggled with iron deficiency anaemia and unexplained weight loss.

 

At first, doctors attributed her symptoms to stress. However, a routine coeliac blood test revealed the cause. Emma had coeliac disease. After switching to a strict gluten free diet, her energy returned and her digestive symptoms improved.

 

Her experience reflects how often coeliac disease goes unrecognised.

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What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the small intestine. It occurs when the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

 

When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, the immune system attacks the intestinal lining. Over time, this damages the gut and prevents proper absorption of nutrients.

 

As a result, coeliac disease can affect the whole body, not just digestion.

How common is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK. However, many people remain undiagnosed. Symptoms often overlap with IBS, bloating, or iron deficiency, which delays testing. (source)

 

Therefore, early recognition is essential.

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Symptoms of coeliac disease

Symptoms vary widely. Some people develop digestive symptoms, while others experience non digestive signs or no symptoms at all.

 

Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain

  • Bloating

  • Diarrhoea

  • Constipation

  • Fatigue

  • Weight loss

  • Iron deficiency anaemia

In addition, some people experience:

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Headaches

  • Joint pain

  • Skin rashes

  • Brain fog

Importantly, intestinal damage can still occur without symptoms.

How is coeliac disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with blood tests that detect coeliac specific antibodies. These tests only work if gluten remains in the diet.

 

If blood tests are positive, doctors usually recommend a gastroscopy with small bowel biopsies. This confirms the diagnosis by showing characteristic intestinal damage.

 

In some cases, a gluten challenge is required before testing.

Why you should not stop eating gluten before testing

Removing gluten too early can lead to false negative results. This often delays diagnosis and proper treatment.

 

Therefore, always seek medical advice before starting a gluten free diet.

What is gluten and where is it found?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It appears in many everyday foods, including:

  • Bread and pasta

  • Cereals

  • Cakes and pastries

Gluten also hides in processed foods, such as sauces, soups, and ready meals. For this reason, careful label reading is essential.

How is coeliac disease treated?

The only effective treatment is a lifelong strict gluten free diet. This allows the small intestine to heal and prevents complications.

 

Because the diet can be restrictive, support from a specialist dietitian helps maintain balanced nutrition and long term success.

What is non coeliac gluten sensitivity?

Non coeliac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms similar to coeliac disease but without autoimmune damage to the intestine.

 

Doctors diagnose it only after excluding coeliac disease and wheat allergy. Therefore, testing always comes first.

Suspected Coeliac Disease? Get Expert Advice

If you are experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms or suspect coeliac disease, early assessment is crucial. Our private gastroenterology specialists in Central London offer rapid testing, expert diagnosis, and personalised care.

Book Your Private Gastroenterology Appointment in London Today

FAQ's

Can coeliac disease develop later in life?

Yes. Coeliac disease can appear at any age, even if gluten was previously tolerated.

Is coeliac disease the same as gluten intolerance?

No. Coeliac disease is autoimmune. Gluten intolerance does not cause intestinal damage.

Can coeliac disease cause anaemia?

Yes. Damage to the intestine reduces iron absorption, leading to iron deficiency anaemia.

Do I need a biopsy to confirm coeliac disease?

In most adults, yes. A gastroscopy with biopsies remains the gold standard.

Is a gluten free diet permanent?

Yes. Even small amounts of gluten can trigger inflammation and intestinal damage.

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