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Coeliac disease

Also called Celiac disease, Gluten intolerance, or Gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Coeliac disease is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues when you eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This damages the lining of the small bowel so it cannot absorb nutrients properly. It is not a food allergy or intolerance, and it is treated with a strict gluten-free diet for life.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

It often runs in families and is more common in people with type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease. Some people have few or no gut symptoms.

Testing must be done while you are still eating gluten, or the results can be falsely normal. Without treatment it can lead to anaemia, weak bones and other problems.

Common signs

  • Diarrhoea, bloating and wind
  • Tummy pain
  • Tiredness and anaemia
  • Weight loss or, in children, poor growth
  • An itchy blistering rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Blood test for coeliac antibodies (tTG IgA)
  • Biopsy of the small bowel during an endoscopy
  • All while still eating gluten

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Antibody results at diagnosis and on follow-up
  • Endoscopy and biopsy reports
  • Iron, vitamin and bone density results
  • Dietitian advice

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Should my family members be tested?
  • Can I see a dietitian?
  • Do I need a bone density scan or vaccinations?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • There are no emergency signs specific to coeliac disease; seek help for severe ongoing diarrhoea with dehydration

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

Iron deficiency anaemiaToo little iron means the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells. Finding the reason for the low iron matters as much as treating it.Irritable bowel syndromeA common long-term condition of the gut causing cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Diet and lifestyle changes often help.OsteoporosisA condition that weakens bones so they break more easily. It is often found after a fracture or on a bone density scan.