What is Coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats, triggers an immune response that results in systemic illness. In Australia, approximately 1 in 70 individuals are affected by coeliac disease, yet over 80% remain undiagnosed.
What are the symptoms of Coeliac disease?
Individuals with coeliac disease may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintended weight loss
- Skin rashes
- Failure to thrive
- Reduced height
- Infertility
- Osteoporosis
- Iron deficiency
- Reflux symptoms
- Migraines
It’s important to note that some individuals may have coeliac disease without noticeable symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.
How is Coeliac Disease diagnosed?
In adults, diagnosing coeliac disease involves:
- Serological Tests: Blood tests to detect specific antibodies (e.g., anti-tTG, DGP IgG, EMA) indicative of an immune response to gluten.
- Genetic Testing: Identifying HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes associated with coeliac disease susceptibility.
- Endoscopy and Biopsy: Examining a small tissue sample from the small intestine to assess villous atrophy and confirm the diagnosis. In children, in some well-defined instances, the endoscopy can be omitted as part of the diagnostic work-up.
It’s crucial to continue consuming gluten up until the point of being investigated for coeliac disease, or other gastrointestinal conditions. during the diagnostic process to ensure accurate results.
How do you treat Coeliac disease?
The only current treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This involves eliminating all sources of gluten from the diet. Adhering to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, but it’s essential for managing the condition and preventing complications.
What happens if Coeliac Disease is left untreated?
Without proper diagnosis and management, coeliac disease can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Increased risk of autoimmune diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Certain types of cancer, such as intestinal lymphoma
- Decreased quality of life
- Higher mortality rates
Wesley Research Institute’s Commitment to Coeliac Disease Research
At Wesley Research Institute, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of coeliac disease through our Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Research Program. Our multidisciplinary team focuses on:
- Improving Understanding: Investigating gluten thresholds and the potential for safe gluten consumption levels for coeliac patients.
- Creating Communities: Establishing the Coeliac Research Network to connect patients, clinicians, and scientists in collaborative research efforts.
- Clinical Trials: Leading innovative studies, such as the clinical trial of IMU-856, a novel small molecule drug showing promise in repairing gut function for those with coeliac disease.
Get Involved
Your support is vital in our mission to improve the lives of those affected by coeliac disease. Consider joining our Coeliac Research Network, participating in clinical trials, or making a donation to further our research efforts.
For more information and resources, visit our Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Research Program page.