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:
Although not necessarily a result of coeliac disease, if you have any of these symptoms you should visit your GP.
- 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?
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What can go wrong?
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