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Coeliac disease is a condition about which most of us probably know very little - even pronouncing the name might be a bit of a struggle. But coeliac (see-lee-ak) disease is a common and significant cause of poor health.
Symptoms of coeliac disease include persistent diarrhoea, anaemia, chronic fatigue, stomach pain, bloating, flatulence and weight loss. Children fail to thrive; adults are more susceptible to mouth ulcers and osteoporosis. However, not all sufferers lose weight and a few are more likely to experience constipation rather than diarrhoea.
Studies show that coeliac disease affects more than one in every 100 Australians, and it seems likely that for every person diagnosed with coeliac disease there are between five and 10 other people whose coeliac disease is not recognised.>
National Coeliac Awareness Week (13-20 March) has highlighted the need for us to consider coeliac disease when "stomach problems" persist. Despite the markedly varying symptoms and sometimes their extreme severity, treatment is usually simple and effective.
The symptoms of coeliac disease can often be mistaken for those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); but the treatments for coeliac disease and IBS are quite different. So before any diagnosis of IBS is made, a test for coeliac disease is essential; then the most appropriate treatment can be started.
The cause of coeliac disease is not fully understood; but it seems that people with this condition are born with an enzyme deficiency which causes abnormal breakdown of gluten and a build-up of a toxic substance. Gluten is the protein in various grains such as wheat, rye, oats, barley, triticale and sorghum. So, it is often present in bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta, pizzas and processed goods - meats, soups, sauces and so on. Another theory is that the immune system over-reacts to the "foreign" protein.
Whatever the cause, the result is sometimes disastrous. Damage to the intestine leads to deficiencies in vitamins, iron, folic acid and calcium because of the poor absorption of nutrients. Sugars, proteins and fats are poorly absorbed as well.
Early diagnosis of coeliac disease is important. However, the good news is that, once diagnosed, the treatment for coeliac disease is extremely successful. It very simply involves strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.
This might sound difficult but it is well worth the challenge of finding gluten-free foods on the supermarket shelves. Once started on a gluten-free diet, coeliac disease sufferers will pick up quickly and regain their energy and good health.
For more information consult your local Coeliac Society or access the Internet at the www.coeliac.org.au web site. They have dietary advice, recipes, information on where to buy gluten-free food, and above all the support needed to achieve a cure.
You can also get advice intestinal and bowel problems from your pharmacist with the Self Care Health Information or ring 1300 369 772 for the nearest pharmacy providing the Self Care fact cards.
From time to time we all suffer tummy upset; but if your tummy is upset more often than not, then coeliac disease could be a possibility. See your doctor for a check-up. Effective treatment is simple. |
