Coeliac Disease

Question 1

What is Coeliac Disease?

Answer 1

Autoimmune response triggered by gluten which leads to malabsorption of nutrients

Question 2

Where does the inflammation occur?

Answer 2

Chronic inflammation occurs in the small intestine

Question 3

Conditions associated with Coeliac disease

Answer 3

Malabsorption of nutrients - Vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, B12
Risk of osteoporosis

Question 4

What are the triggers for Coeliac disease?

Answer 4

Gluten - wheat, barley, rye, couscous and semolina

Question 5

Symptoms of Coeliac disease

Answer 5

ABCD
Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea

Malabsorption
Vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, B12

Question 6

Management of Coeliac disease

Answer 6

Avoid gluten – gluten free diet
Supplementation – calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, B12
Prednisolone to treat flare up

Question 7

Can Coeliac patients self-medicate / buy supplementation OTC?

Answer 7

No the supplements must be prescribed so appropriate monitoring can be conducted

Question 8

Can Coeliac patients self-medicate / buy supplementation OTC?

Answer 8

No the supplements must be prescribed so appropriate monitoring can be conducted