Coeliac disease is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine (the part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients) and the damage to the intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb some nutrients. Even small amounts of gluten can cause harm, the only treatment is to avoid gluten allowing the bowel lining to recover. Strict attention to diet must be lifelong.
Symptoms vary among suffers. They also range from severe to minor and may even go undetected. Symptoms can often be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or a sensitivity to wheat or other food. They are often put down to just getting older or even stress.
Common symptoms are anaemia, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation, stomach cramps, weight loss and fatigue to name a few.
Coeliac Australia is a not-for-profit association comprising five state organisations. The group is aimed at enhancing the quality of life and supporting those with the disease. It also supports research towards a cure or other ethical forms of treatment.
Coeliac Australia can be contacted on www.coeliac.org.au or 1300 458 836.
