Coeliac Disease

Question 1

What is coeliac disease?

Answer 1

An autoimmune condition which is associated with chronic inflammation of the small intestine.

Question 2

What can trigger coeliac disease?

Answer 2

Gluten activates an abnormal immune response in the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients

Question 3

Examples of where gluten can be found?

Answer 3

Wheat, barley and rye.
Noodles,
Malt like malted milk or milkshake

Question 4

What’s the aim of treatment for coeliac disease?

Answer 4

The management is aimed at eliminating symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain; and reducing the risk of complications including those resulting from malabsorption.

Question 5

What’s the non-drug treatment for coeliac disease?

Answer 5

A strict life-long gluten free diet.
You can get gluten free products on prescriptions.

Question 6

What complications can occur from coeliac disease?

Answer 6

Because of the risk in malabsorption of key nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, the risk of osteoporosis is increased, and other bone disease.

If these arise there should be an active treatment for the bone disease as part of managing coeliac disease

Question 7

What can patients with coeliac disease not do?

Answer 7

They cannot self-medicate with over the counter vitamins or mineral supplements.
Imitation of supplementation must involve a discussion with a member of the patient’s healthcare team.

Question 8

What’s the initial drug treatment for coeliac disease?

Answer 8

Prednisone