Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is not an allergy. It's an auto-immune disease, which means that the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues. For people with coeliac disease this attack is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people with coeliac disease also react to oats.

Symptoms of coeliac disease may range from mild to severe, and can include:

Bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, tiredness, constipation, anaemia, mouth ulcers, headaches, weight loss, hair loss, skin problems, short stature, depression, infertility, recurrent miscarriages and joint/bone pain.

Some symptoms may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or wheat intolerance, while others may be put down to stress, or getting older. As a consequence, it can take some time before an accurate diagnosis is sought, or made. Following diagnosis and commencement of the gluten-free diet these symptoms cease.

If you think you may have coeliac disease, you should discuss getting tested with your doctor. It is essential that you do not take gluten out of your diet before getting tested: a gluten-free or low gluten diet is likely to cause a false negative result.

For further information on how to get diagnosed, you can contact one of our dietitians either on our helpline on 0870 4448804 or via our contact form.

As a Member you can receive invaluable help and information about managing your gluten-free diet. Read more about how to join Coeliac UK.