Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition that affects about 1 in 100 Australians. It’s caused by an immune reaction to gluten—a protein found in foods made from wheat, rye, barley, and oats.
When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage. Over time, this can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may not have any noticeable symptoms at all. Common signs include:
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Chronic diarrhoea
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or low energy
If left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious health problems, such as:
Iron and folate deficiency
Osteoporosis (weakened bones)
An increased risk of bowel cancer
Many people with coeliac disease don’t realise they have it, which is why early diagnosis is so important.
Coeliac disease can affect anyone, but it often runs in families. You’re more likely to develop it if a close relative has it, and there are certain genetic markers that increase risk.
Although it’s often diagnosed in children and young adults, it can be identified at any age.
Diagnosis typically begins with blood tests to check for specific antibodies linked to coeliac disease. These tests are helpful, but they’re not enough on their own to confirm the diagnosis.
The gold standard for diagnosis is a gastroscopy—a procedure that allows your doctor to take small tissue samples (biopsies) from the small bowel to check for damage.
Important: If you’re being tested for coeliac disease, you should continue eating gluten until all tests are completed, or the results may be inaccurate.
There is no cure for coeliac disease, but it can be effectively managed by following a strict gluten-free diet. This helps the bowel heal and prevents future complications.
Even small amounts of gluten can keep the disease active, so it’s important to:
Read food labels carefully
Avoid cross-contamination
Work with an accredited dietitian for ongoing support
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family history of coeliac disease, talk to your doctor or gastroenterologist about getting tested.
For trusted advice, recipes, and resources, visit Coeliac Australia