Digestive - Coeliac disease

Question 1

What is coeliac disease?

Answer 1

An autoimmune disease that attacks gluten which damages villi and causes inflammation

Question 2

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?

Answer 2

Indigestion
Stomach pain
Bloating
Flatulence
Constipation and diarrhoea

Question 3

What is the biological explanation of coeliac disease?

Answer 3

Autoimmine disease that mistakes gliadin (in gluten) for foreign substance and attacks it
Damages villi and antibodies cause surface to become inflamed and villi flatten - cant absorb nutrients efficiently

Question 4

What is the cause of coeliac disease?

Answer 4

Runs in family
Associated with genetic malfunctions - HLA-DQ gene - development of immune system
Environmental factors
Gluten eaten in diet before 6 months old

Question 5

How can coeliac disease be monitored?

Answer 5

Ultrasound - examine organs - lubricating gel + probe - sound waves bounce off tissue and form image
Gastroscopy - See oesophagus, stomach and duodenum - endoscope with camera and light sees images

Question 6

How can coeliac disease be treated?

Answer 6

Give up gluten to prevent long term damage
Vaccinations to prevent infections
Vitamin and mineral supplements

Question 7

How does coeliac disease impact lifestyle?

Answer 7

Can’t eat gluten
Need to take additional supplements
Avoid infections - more susceptible
Need to be careful eating out