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Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is an immune reaction to gluten (a protein in wheat, barley and rye) that damages the lining of the small intestine, so nutrients are not absorbed properly.
Causes & risk factors
- An immune reaction to gluten in genetically prone people
- Family history of coeliac disease
- Linked with type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease
- Can appear at any age, sometimes after a trigger like infection or pregnancy
Common symptoms
- Diarrhoea or pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools
- Bloating and wind
- Tummy pain
- Weight loss
- Tiredness from anaemia
- An itchy blistering rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
Tests & diagnosis
- Coeliac antibody blood tests (tTG-IgA)
- CBC (anaemia)
- Iron studies
- Vitamin D and calcium
- Small-bowel biopsy at endoscopy (to confirm)
Treatment & management
- A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet — the only effective treatment
- Avoid wheat, barley and rye; read food labels carefully
- Correct any deficiencies — iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12
- Dietitian support to plan balanced gluten-free meals
- Regular follow-up to check the gut has healed
When to see a doctor urgently
- Long-standing diarrhoea, bloating or weight loss
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia
- A family member diagnosed with coeliac disease
- Symptoms continuing despite a gluten-free diet
Frequently asked questions
Is coeliac disease the same as gluten intolerance?
No. Coeliac disease is an immune condition that damages the gut; non-coeliac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms without that damage. Get tested before cutting out gluten, or the test can be falsely normal.
Can I eat a little gluten if I feel fine?
No. Even small amounts keep the gut inflamed and raise the risk of complications, even without obvious symptoms. The diet must be strict.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.