Coeliac Flashcards
what is coeliac?
what causes it?
common digestive disorder where the SI becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients properly.
coeliac is an AI condition, this means the immune system gets confused and starts fighting healthy tissue instead of infections. the immune system mistakes gluten for something bad and starts attacking it. this damages the SI and thus prevents it from absorbing nutrients from food normally. T cell mediated.
what are the symptoms?
diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, flatulence, abdo pain.
fatigue, weightless, rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), tingling/ numbness (peripheral neuropathy), disorders to do with co-ordination, balance and speech (ataxia)
failure to thrive in babies and delayed puberty in teenagers
difficulty getting pregnant
how is it diagnosed?
only tested for if clinically suspected or FHx.
blood test for Abs: anti- alpha gliadin, endomysial - tissue transglutaminase and total IgA
what foods have gluten in?
pasta, bread, flour, some sauces/ ready meals, beer, cakes, breakfast cereals
wheat, barley, rye
what foods can we eat?
potatoes, rice, soya, fruit+veg, meat, spirits, lentils, wine
gluten free bread/ flour/ pasta on prescription
what are the complications?
those of malabsorption: only if gluten free not adhered to
- osteoporosis (weakening of bones)
- iron deficiency anaemia
- B12/ folate deficiency anaemia
- increased risk of bowel cancer
is it genetic?
whose at risk?
no, unknown cause. thought to be genes and environment. so slight increased risk (10%) if family has it.
increased risk if other AI diseases (T1DM, thyroid disease), also people with Downs and Turner’s syndrome
3x more common in women
treatment?
life long gluten free diet-> controls condition and prevents complications.
support?
Coeliac UK: info on diet and local support groups
