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What is coeliac disease, what are the symptoms of gluten intolerance, what causes it and how is it treated?

COELIAC disease is a common digestive disease that affects one in 100 people in the UK.

There is no cure for the condition, but it can be manages with a specific diet. Here's the lowdown...

 Coeliac disease affects one in 100 people and is when the intestines react to gluten and become inflamed
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Coeliac disease affects one in 100 people and is when the intestines react to gluten and become inflamedCredit: Alamy

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune digestive condition where the intestines react to gluten and become inflamed.

The adverse reaction can come from the dietary protein which is often found in three cereals: wheat, barley and rye.

The gluten damages the lining of the intestines making the body unable to absorb important nutrients.

Coeliac disease is a life-long condition that can lead to bloating, nausea and tiredness, and is only treated by a change in diet.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of coeliac disease, which occurs on elbows, knees, shoulders, the buttocks and face.

The condition affects one in 3,300 people and a number of celebrities, including Megan Mckenna and Ulrika Jonsson suffer from it.

 Testing isn't routinely carried out in the UK but you can get it done if you have symptoms or if you are at a greater risk of having the disease
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Testing isn't routinely carried out in the UK but you can get it done if you have symptoms or if you are at a greater risk of having the diseaseCredit: Alamy

What are the symptoms for coeliac disease?

There are many symptoms for the disease including mouth ulcers, crippling fatigue, stomach pain, regular diarrhoea, weight loss and indigestion.

Children who have it may not grow at the expected rate and could later have delayed puberty.

The condition is fairly common and affects one in every 100 people in the UK.

Experts predict this number may be an underestimate as many people go undiagnosed or get the symptoms misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What causes it?

Coeliac UK describes it as an autoimmune disease caused by a reaction of the immune system to the protein gluten.

A sufferer’s immune system reacts to the gluten by damaging the lining of the small intestine.

Some people have genes which means they could develop coeliac disease, although it is unclear why this is.

 Some people have genes which means they will develop coeliac disease
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Some people have genes which means they will develop coeliac diseaseCredit: Alamy

What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance?

Healthline describes the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance.

These are:

  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea, constipation and smelly faeces
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headaches
  • Feeling tired
  • Skin problems
  • Depression
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Iron-deficiency anaemia
  • Anxiety
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Leg or arm numbness
  • Brain fog

Is there an online test for coeliac disease?

Routine testing isn’t currently carried out in England for the disease.

Testing is recommended for those with a greater risk of getting it, such as those with a family history of coeliac sufferers.

Coeliac UK have come up with an to see if you are at risk of coeliac disease and whether you should consider getting tested for it.

 The adverse reactions comes from gluten, which is found in many cakes and breads
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The adverse reactions comes from gluten, which is found in many cakes and breadsCredit: Alamy

How is coeliac disease treated?

There is no cure for those with coeliac disease and the only treatment is to maintain a gluten-free diet for the rest of the sufferer's life.

Many food outlets will now offer gluten-free options, and once the protein is removed from a diet, those with the condition should start feeling better.

What foods have gluten in them?

The dietary protein gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, and many food contain these cereals.

These include:

  • Pasta
  • Cakes
  • Most breads
  • Many breakfast cereals
  • Some ready meals
  • Some sauces
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The only way to treat coeliac disease is to go gluten free for the rest of your life

Who is at risk of coeliac disease?

People who already have other conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Down's syndrome and Turner syndrome, have a greater chance of getting the disease.

Those with relatives who have coeliac disease have an increased risk of the condition.

If a first degree family member has the condition, the chances of having it as well increase to one in 10.

Which celebrities have coeliac disease?

In September 2017, Megan McKenna slammed trolls who called her "anorexic" and revealed her sudden weight loss was due to coeliac disease.

The reality star admitted she was hurt by the cruel jibes from her followers and that she'd been in and and out of hospital before filming her new show, There's Something About Megan.

American actress Zooey Deschanel also suffers from coeliac disease while Victoria Beckham is reportedly "gluten sensitive".

Her fellow Spice Girl Geri Horner is also gluten intolerant as is singer Jessica Simpson.

Ulrika Johnson also revealed that she had coeliac disease and during a 2005 appearance on Come Dine With Me, confessed she felt hurt that the other contestants hadn't made more effort to accommodate her dietary requirements.

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