At a glance: Coeliac disease is an immune condition triggered by gluten. Diagnosis should usually be completed before starting a gluten-free diet.
Coeliac disease is an immune-mediated condition in which gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. The condition can occur at any age and may cause digestive symptoms, nutritional deficiencies or no obvious symptoms at all.
Possible symptoms
- Abdominal discomfort, bloating or diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or nutrient deficiencies
- Poor growth in children
How coeliac disease is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with coeliac blood tests while you are still eating gluten. Gastroscopy with small-bowel biopsies may then be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Starting a gluten-free diet before testing can make results less reliable, so discuss testing with your doctor first.
Treatment
Treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Dietitian guidance is often helpful, particularly when first diagnosed.
Book or refer
For assessment or gastroscopy, ask your GP to refer you or use our online referral and booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop eating gluten before testing?
Usually not. Reducing or stopping gluten before blood tests and biopsies can make diagnosis more difficult. Discuss this with your doctor first.
Is coeliac disease the same as a wheat allergy?
No. Coeliac disease is an immune-mediated condition that damages the small intestine; wheat allergy is a different allergic condition.
Can coeliac disease be cured?
There is no current cure, but a strict lifelong gluten-free diet usually allows the intestine to heal and reduces complications.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical care for heavy bleeding, vomiting blood, black tar-like bowel motions, fainting, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or significant weakness.
Arrange an assessment
Discuss persistent or concerning symptoms with your GP. Your GP can refer you, or you can use our online referral and booking page.