Coeliac Disease

17 March 2025

Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten, . It can cause gut symptoms, malnutrition and complications if left untreated.

Understanding Coeliac Disease

Coeliac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, leading to inflammation and damage to the small intestine. If left untreated, it can cause malnutrition, digestive problems and long term health risks.

Potential Causes

While the exact cause is unknown, several factors can contribute to developing Coeliac Disease, including:

Genetics: A family hisotry of Coeliac Disease increases the risk.
Immune System Issues: The body mistakenly attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
Environmental Triggers: Infections or gut bacteria imbalances may play a role in triggering the condition.
Microbiome Imbalance: Some studies suggest that introducing gluten too early in infancy could be a factor.

Signs & Symptoms

Coeliac disease symptoms can vary, affecting the digestive tract and potentially other body systems. Common signs include:

Digestive issues – Diarrhoea, bloating, and constipation
Chronic fatigue & weakness
Unexplained weight loss or poor growth (in children)
Anaemia & vitamin deficiencies
Itchy skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)

Diagnosis Tests for Coeliac Disease

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we use:

Blood tests to detect Coeliac-specific antibodies
Endoscopic biopsy via gastroscopy to confirm intestinal damage
Genetic testing for cases requiring further evaluation

Treatment Options

There is no cure for Coeliac Disease, but effective treatment can eliminate symptoms and prevent complications. The primary treatment options include:

Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) – The only proven treatment for Coeliac Disease. Strict lifelong elimination of gluten from the diet (wheat, barley, rye). Alternative gluten-free grains include rice, quinoa, and corn. Support from a specialist dietitian to ensure nutritional balance
Vitamin & Mineral Supplements – To correct deficiencies (iron, calcium, vitamin D, B12, and folate). Helps with bone health and energy levels
Medication & Symptom Management – Steroids or immunosuppressants in rare cases of refractory Coeliac Disease. Probiotics & digestive enzymes to support gut healing

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Long-term management is essential, involving regular check-ups to assess symptoms, treatment efficacy, and potential complications. Monitoring may include:

Clinical Assessments: Regular visits to evaluate symptoms and medication effectiveness.
Lab Tests: Blood tests to measure inflammation and nutritional status.
Imaging: Periodic scans to detect complications and assess treatment response.
Endoscopy: Ongoing endoscopic exams to monitor intestinal healing and detect any new issues.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

To discuss any worrying symptoms that might be an indication of Coeliac Disease, then you can make an appointment with one of our private GPs. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our Buckinghamshire hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.