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Coeliac Disease: What you should know

Welcome

This is a bitesize course about the basics of coeliac disease. This course will tell you what coeliac disease is, what causes it, and what foods needs to be avoided. Select the arrow to continue.

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is caused by an immune reaction to gluten however this only happens in people with specific genes.

Symptoms can range from the gastrointestinal to eczema, fatigue, and joint pain.

Symptoms

Did you know?

Coeliac disease affects at least 1 in every 100 people in the UK.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Causes

Spelt

Rye

Barley

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. It must be completely avoided by people with coeliac disease, this is commonly known as a 'gluten-free diet'. Click the markers below to find out more about these grains and foods that must be avoided.

Wheat

For more information visit Coeliac UK

Summary:

• Coeliac is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine. Symptoms occur when gluten is ingested.

• Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal to bowel cancer if the condition is left untreated.

• The only treatment is a gluten-free diet.

• Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, spelt, and barley. These four grains and food that contains them must be completely avoided.

The exact cause of coeliac disease is uncertain. Scientists believe that there is a genetic link as it's commonly found in families and they have isolated a gene that is responsible for triggering the disease.

The symptoms of coeliac disease are caused by eating gluten and usually go away after a few days. However long term exposure to gluten can severely damage the intestinal wall and lead to malnutrition, depression, nerve damage, and even bowel cancer.