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- What is coeliac disease?
- Symptoms of coeliac disease
- Causes of coeliac disease
- Prevention of coeliac disease
- Risk factors for coeliac disease
- Complications of coeliac disease
- When to see a doctor about coeliac disease
- Diagnosis of coeliac disease
- Conventional treatment of coeliac disease
- Alternative/complementary treatment of coeliac disease
- Living with coeliac disease
- Caring for someone with coeliac disease
It is important to have coeliac disease correctly diagnosed, to prevent further damage to the small intestines and also to prevent nutritional deficiencies and the conditions associated with these deficiencies.
Initial diagnosis of coeliac disease involves:
- Medical history - the doctor will ask a series of questions about your symptoms (especially the duration and severity), your diet, your family medical history (if anyone else has similar symptoms or other gastrointestinal disorders)
- Physical examination - the doctor (or gastroenterologist) will examine your abdominal area for pain or discomfort, as well as examining other parts of your body if needed (your hands, eyes and mouth)
Once the doctor (or gastroenterologist) has reviewed the medical history and determines that further investigation is warranted, the following tests can be ordered depending on the symptoms:
- Blood test - there are specific tests that can be ordered
- EMA - this tests the blood to determine if there are any endomysial autoantibodies (these are antibodies the immune system produces against gluten), this is the very latest in testing for coeliac disease
- FBC - full blood count (including iron stores, vitamin B12 and haemoglobin levels) to determine if anaemia is present
- Calcium - to determine if calcium levels are low and need further testing for bone density
- Vitamin D - to determine if vitamin D levels are low and need supplementation
- Other nutrients - some other nutrients may be tested, but are usually not, only in special circumstances extra tests are needed
- Stool test - this test can be done if required (when there are a lot of abnormal stools) and consists of taking samples of the stools for three days in separate containers, which will be tested for fat malabsorption or other abnormalities
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Other tests
Depending on symptoms, the following diagnostic tests may also be ordered, to either rule out any other underlying conditions or to test for degeneration of bones due to malabsorption problems:
- Endoscopy - a gastroenterologist performs this test and it involves having a telescopic tube (small and flexible with a camera and light at the end) being inserted into the mouth, down the eosophagus, into the stomach and then through the first part of the small intestine to get a better view of it and determine level of coeliac disease, and to take a sample of the small intestine (a biopsy). The gastroscopy is usually performed under light sedation and takes only about 10-15 minutes to be completed
- Bone density test - this may be ordered if the blood tests (or observational symptoms) show that there is a deficiency of calcium. This test determines the levels of calcium in the bones and is much like having an x-ray (taking about 5-10 minutes to complete)
The Bone Density Test is covered by Medicare (in Australia) for the following groups of people:
- Aged over 70 years (male and female)
- Being diagnosed with osteoporosis (any age)
- Having at least one fracture due to osteoporosis (any age)
- People taking corticosteroids long-term (any age)
- Women under 45 who have not had any periods for at least 6 months
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 15 August 2008 || Last updated: 26 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
