Coeliac disease: The basics

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body has an abnormal reaction to gluten (the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and oats).

According to Coeliac Australia, the condition affects one in 70 Australians, but 80% of cases remain undiagnosed.¹

When a person with coeliac disease eats gluten, their body reacts as if that gluten is harmful and tries to fight it in response. This reaction leads to inflammation in the small intestine, which drastically reduces its ability to absorb nutrients. This can result in serious health problems, particularly if left untreated.²

Coeliac disease can look and feel different for everyone. Some people experience severe symptoms, while for others, symptoms are mild or even non-existent.

As coeliac disease can affect most systems in the body, symptoms can be varied and include any of the following:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, gas or bloating)
• anaemia
• nausea
• fatigue
• weight loss.²

It’s not fully understood why people develop coeliac disease. However, certain things put you at an increased risk of the condition, and you should be screened if you have any of the following:

• a family member with coeliac disease
• early onset osteoporosis
• type 1 diabetes
• Down or Turner Syndrome
• unexplained infertility
• liver disease
• dermatitis herpetiformis.³

Coeliac disease can be difficult to diagnose as certain symptoms are similar to other gastrointestinal conditions, such as food intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This means you can’t rely on symptoms alone to diagnose the disease.

If you’re concerned you have coeliac disease, it’s important that you don’t start a gluten-free diet before getting tested, as it can impact the accuracy of the results.

Testing involves 2 steps. First, a blood test looks for elevated levels of certain antibodies. If the test shows signs of coeliac disease, you will then have a small bowel biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

When you live with coeliac disease, even small amounts of gluten can trigger a negative response. As well as experiencing symptoms, unmanaged coeliac disease can result in a range of health issues, including:

• malnutrition
• depression
• osteoporosis
• infertility
• cancer.²

While there’s currently no cure for coeliac disease, the good news is that the condition can be managed by following a strict gluten-free diet. This allows the bowel to heal and absorb nutrients.

Living with coeliac disease requires daily attention, which can be tough. Here are 5 things that can help you manage your condition:

Learn about foods and ingredients that contain gluten and those that are gluten-free. The FoodSwitch app has a handy filter to help you find out whether something contains gluten and can provide similar healthier alternatives.

An accredited practising dietitian who’s experienced in coeliac disease can help you plan balanced, nutritious meals that work with a gluten-free lifestyle while avoiding nutrient deficiencies.

Inform restaurant staff about your dietary needs and inquire about gluten-free options. Cross-contamination is a common concern, so be careful with food preparation.

Some medications (such as certain blood pressure tablets) and supplements may contain gluten, so always read labels and check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking something new.

Coeliac Australia considers medications which contain levels of gluten less than 20ppm to be suitable for those living with coeliac disease.⁴

Connect with other people who understand the challenges of living with coeliac disease. Support groups can provide valuable tips, recipes and emotional support.

Connect with other people who understand the challenges of living with coeliac disease. Support groups can provide valuable tips, recipes and emotional support.

Coeliac Australia has a range of resources, recipes and support. Visit their website or contact them on 1300 458 836.

For quick and convenient gluten swaps, download the FoodSwitch app.