Coeliac Disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a condition caused by the inability to digest gluten. Gluten, a substance found in wheat, barley and rye, reacts with the small bowel and causes damage by activating the immune system to attack the delicate bowel lining, which is responsible for absorbing nutrients and vitamins.

It is a life-long disease and affects around 1 in 300 people. Coeliac Disease can affect anyone at any age but a definite risk factor is a family history of Coeliac Disease as it is a genetic condition. Because of the broad range of symptoms Coeliac Disease presents it is difficult to diagnose. If undiagnosed, Coeliac Disease patients who continue to ingest gluten will have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal tumours, so early detection of Coeliac Disease is very important.

What are the symptoms of Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac Disease has many and varied symptoms and can include, although is not exclusive to:

Weight loss
Tiredness
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Lethargy
Breathlessness
Anaemia
Mouth ulcers
Abdominal discomfort

Can I screen myself for Coeliac Disease ?

Yes. We can arrange for a Coeliac Disease Screen for you. Choose from a kit to use at home, or come in to Inverness CCT and we will prepare a sample to send to the lab.

Results & Treatment of Coeliac Disease

You should consult your GP if your results are above normal. Your GP may follow up the test with an intestinal biopsy to confirm diagnosis.

While there is no cure for Coeliac Disease, sticking to a strict gluten free diet can reverse any damage caused to the small intestine.