Understanding coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is classed as an autoimmune disease of the small intestine, which means that the  immune response system of  people with the disease overeacts, resulting in damage to part of the small intestine. This in turn reduces the ability to absorb nutrients.
The symptoms of coeliac disease can range from mild to severe and may be similar to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. The following symptoms may occur:

  • Excessive wind
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A bloated stomach
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Pain or cramps in your abdomen
  • Tiredness
  • Alopecia
  • Small blisters on the skin (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Sudden or unexpected weight loss caused by malabsoption. This means the sufferer is unable to absorb all the nutrients he or she needs from the foods he or she eats. This can lead to weight loss and fatigue. In children this could  also cause stunted growth
  • Abnormal results in liver function tests

Although not necessarily a result of coeliac disease, if you have any of these symptoms you should visit your GP.

Dermatitis herpetiformis

The disease discovered in 1884 by Dr Louis Duhring at the University of Pennsylvania is an autoimmume condition which gives rise to a surface rash of a similar appearance to herpes.  It is commonly found on the kness, elbows, back and buttocks. It is characterised by being extremely itchy. Its occurrence can vary from 1 in 400 to 1 in 10000 in people with coeliac disease. By following a strict gluten free diet it will alleviate the condition.

Lactose Intolerance and how it relates to Coeliac  DIsease

What is It?

  • Lactose is a type of sugar that can be found in various food products such as yoghurt, cream, but mostly in milk.
  • Lactose when ingested is broken down by an enzyme called lactase found in the lining of the small intestine.

What can go wrong?

  • In sufferers of coeliac disese the lining of the gut is damaged and if left damged by not following a strict gluten-free diet then the enzyme lactase is not produced or does not work properly resulting in lactose not being broken down.
  • Consequently the following symptoms may occur:
  • Wind (flatulence), bloated stomach, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain.