The Minster Practice, Lichfield
|
|
|
Coeliac DiseaseThis is an inflammatory disease of the upper small intestine resulting from gluten ingestion. It is a common problem but only a minority have clinically recognised disease (about 1 in 10000. It can occur at any age but the majority are diagnosed in adults peaking in the 50s with 3 women for 1 man. Although there is a genetic link (1 in 10 chance if first degree relative), environmental factors must be involved. What these are is, as yet, unknown. Why the body becomes sensitised to the gliadin part of gluten is also not understood. Symptoms include diarrhoea (or constipation), anaemia, mouth ulcers, sore mouth, weight loss, chronic fatigue, abdominal pain and bloating. Associated conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Sjögren's syndrome and dermatitis herpetiformis. As the area affected is where food is absorbed, the inflammation leads to malabsorption but eliminating gluten (exclusion of wheat, barley and rye cereal products) from the diet produces clinical recovery. Even the small amount of gluten in a communion wafer can cause symptoms. Gluten free products are available on prescription. Prescription charges apply if you are not exempt for other reasons. A prepayment certificate may save you money. Website of The Coeliac Society: www.coeliac.co.uk 01494 437278
|
Send mail to webmaster @minster.org.uk with questions or comments about our website. N.B. Website is for practice patients ONLY.
|
