Coeliac disease, more commonly known as gluten intolerance, is not simply a food intolerance, but a lifelong autoimmune condition. In this condition, the body’s immune system reacts incorrectly to gluten – a protein found in certain cereals (wheat, barley, rye) – and attacks the lining of the small intestine. This process leads to the destruction of the intestinal villi, causing severe malabsorption and a wide range of symptoms. The Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre In this article, experts summarise the ways in which coeliac disease can be diagnosed and the cornerstones of its treatment.
What happens in the body when someone has coeliac disease?
In coeliac disease, gliadin – a component of gluten – triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, which cause inflammation in the small intestine. The surface of the small intestine is normally lined with tiny villi, which are responsible for the absorption of nutrients. As a result of chronic inflammation, these villi become flattened and eventually die off completely (villi atrophy). As a result, the body becomes unable to utilise vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients properly, even if the patient is eating a plentiful diet.
The extremely varied symptoms of coeliac disease
The condition has „a thousand faces” because it can cause more than just digestive problems:
Gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhoea: Often large, greasy, foul-smelling stools.
- Abdominal pain and bloating: Significant gas build-up and pressure.
- Nausea, loss of appetite.
- Unexpected weight loss: Delayed development and growth in children.
Non-gastrointestinal (extraintestinal) symptoms:
- Iron deficiency anaemia: Which does not respond adequately to iron supplementation.
- Chronic fatigue and weakness: Due to a vitamin deficiency (e.g. B12).
- Osteoporosis: As a result of impaired absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
- Skin problems: Itchy, blistering rashes (Duhring’s disease).
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriage.
- Enamel defects on the teeth.
How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
It is extremely important that You must not start a gluten-free diet before the examination begins, because alongside the diet, the tests may produce false-negative results! The At Endomedix The diagnosis consists of two main steps:
- Specific antibody screening (blood test): We test for antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) or endomysial antibodies (EMA) in the blood. If the levels of these are high, this strongly suggests the presence of the disease.
- Small bowel biopsy (during gastroscopy): To confirm the diagnosis (in adults), a gastroscopy is almost always required. During this procedure, a small tissue sample is taken from the initial section of the small intestine, which is then analysed by histological examination. This reveals the condition of the intestinal villi and the extent of the inflammation (Marsh stage).
The only cure: a gluten-free diet
There is currently no cure for coeliac disease, but the a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet Complete remission can be achieved.
- All food is prohibited, which contains wheat, barley, rye or products derived from them.
- Care must be taken to avoid cross-contamination: Even trace amounts of gluten can damage the villi (e.g. sharing a chopping board or toaster).
- As a result of the diet The intestinal villi begin to regenerate, malabsorption ceases and nutritional deficiencies are resolved.
When to consult a specialist: Maintaining liver health is a complex task, in which prevention plays a key role. However, if you experience any symptoms or are in a high-risk group, do not hesitate to consult a specialist. The Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by highly qualified specialists to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent serious, irreversible liver damage and significantly improve your quality of life. Don’t let misconceptions influence your healthcare decisions! Get your information from reliable sources and take the first step towards a healthy liver today!
