What is Coeliac Disease?

You want to do some research on what this means, what it entails, and most of all you are possibly looking for help on how to cope? Then let's look at some celiac disease facts first:

Definition of Coeliac Disease

Did you notice the two different spellings in the section above? In the UK and Australia we spell it as coeliac, whereas in the USA you would recognize it as Celiac.

However, you write it, this is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine. You are more likely to have the condition if there are others in your family that are Coeliac, as it is a genetic intolerance to gluten.

Other names

Coeliac disease can also be known as coeliac sprue, non-tropical sprue, endemic sprue, gluten enteropathy and gluten sensitivity.

Linked conditions

The condition known as Dermatitis Herpetiformis, or DH, causes itchy blisters to occur on certain parts of the body. This can also be treated by the gluten free diet.

If you have undiagnosed coeliac then you are more likely to suffer from leaky gut syndrome.

Undiagnosed coeliac can lead to malabsorption syndrome and a vitamin b12 deficiency.

You might also find that depression and celiac disease go together.

There could be problems with pregnancy and celiac disease.

There can also be some confusion whether sudden extreme weight loss is due to Celiac or anorexia

So now you know the definition and some of it's alternate names. What do you need to do now? What knowledge do you want to gain?

This Web site has been put together to support not only those that are new to the condition, but for those that are more seasoned to it, and invites you to share you stories, your recipes, where you like to eat (and are safe to do so!).

How does it affect others?

Symptoms of coeliac disease - Validate the symptoms you are experiencing, and discuss with your healthcare provider about being tested.

Celiac disease symptoms in children - Babies and toddlers cannot tell you what's wrong, you need to be ahead of the curve, look at the typical coeliac disease symptoms in babies and young children.

Celiac Disease tests - Its an initial blood test, followed by an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Can I catch it? - In short, NO! It does however, have a genetic theme, so its most likely to run in families.

How common is it? - Coeliac disease is more likely in the Western world, however it is not always diagnosed, so the figures on this are turning.

Is there a cure? - Contrary to earlier beliefs, diagnosis will mean you have it for life. There is no cure, but treatment of coeliac disease symptoms is possible with a gluten free diet.

Where can I get more information about celiac?

A Celiac Disease support group can also be a good place to go to for advice. You can add your own page to this site, publicising the group you belong to, or check for groups in your area. This facility is new and will eventually prove a useful addition, but you do have to help me here a bit!

Living as a Coeliac

But do you need advice to help you deal with the reaction of other family members? Starting a gluten free diet will give you some food for thought.

Take a look at the page detailing a Day in The Life of a Coeliac to see how I fit it into my daily life.

If you are there as a supportive partner, or the person you are dating has advised you that they have this condition, review Living with a Coeliac - a Partners view. I hope you find my pages informative. You may, or may not, have seen from my other pages, but I have coped with this for over 50 years, so it can be done!