Coeliac Disease Flashcards
What is coeliac disease?
An autoimmune condition which is associated with chronic inflammation of the small intestine.
What can trigger coeliac disease?
Gluten activates an abnormal immune response in the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients
Examples of where gluten can be found?
Wheat, barley and rye.
Pasta, cereal, bread.
Malt like malted milk or milkshake
What’s the aim of treatment for coeliac disease?
The management is aimed at eliminating symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain; and reducing the risk of complications including those resulting from malabsorption.
What’s the non-drug treatment for coeliac disease?
A strict life-long gluten free diet.
You can get gluten free products on prescriptions.
What complications can occur from coeliac disease?
Can lead to malabsorption of fe2+, folic acid, vitamin d and ca2+.
Because of the risk in malabsorption, the risk of other conditions like osteoporosis, other bone disease, anaemia is increased.
If these arise there should be an active treatment for the bone disease as part of managing coeliac disease
What can patients with coeliac disease not do?
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.
What’s the initial drug treatment for coeliac disease?
Prednisone
Only a short time, whilst waiting for specialist advice.
Symptoms of coeliac disease?
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
What other drug treatments can be given?
Supplementation with calcium, vitamin D and folic acid, due to malabsorption.
Osteoporosis and bone disease treatment.
What needs to be referred to specialist care?
Confirmed cases of refractory coeliac disease.
What is the difference between food allergy and food tolerance?
Food allergy is an adverse immune response and is more immunological, whilst food tolerance is not.
What is the drug treatment for food allergies?
- Chlorphenamine maleate
For food induced anaphylaxis, Adrenaline is the first line treatment
LEARN ADRENALINE DOSES ON BNF TABLE
What is used to manage food allergies?
- Avoiding certain foods
- Sodium cromoglicate (given as adjunct to dietary avoidance).
What is used for Gastro-intestinal smooth muscle spasms?
Antimuscarinics
- They relax the intestinal smooth muscle and reduce intestinal motility
These include: Dicycloverine hydrochloride & Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan)
Antipasmosdics
- Such as alverine & Mebeverine