Do you know how to diagnose coeliac disease?

Article

13 March 2023

3 min read

For Coeliac Awareness Week, Marika Day sheds some light on its signs and symptoms, as well as how the disease is diagnosed.

One in 70 Australians have coeliac disease, yet four out of five remain undiagnosed¹. This is partly due to limited awareness of the condition and its symptoms, which don’t exclusively present in the gut – making it a tricky condition to diagnose without proper testing.

By learning more about Coeliac Disease this week, we can help increase early diagnosis of the condition and improving the health of those living with the disease.

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten – a protein commonly found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. This causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, which can cause some particularly nasty symptoms.

Coeliac disease affects all genders and can also be diagnosed across all stages of life (children to older adults). The condition also tends to be passed down, so if you have family members with Coeliac disease, you have a higher chance of inheriting it.

Want some exciting and nutritious coeliac-friendly recipes?

Having coeliac disease doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland and boring mealtimes. Check out the AIA Vitality Eat Well Guide, compiled by Accredited and Practising Dietitian Marika Day. You’ll find lots of gluten-free and dairy-free options to choose from, but if you’re itching for more, we’ve got good news.

AIA Vitality users get 50 per cent off a fuelled (Marika Day’s wellness and recipe app) subscription – just log in, tap the benefits tab and use your unique code when signing up. Go on, what are you waiting for?

Symptoms of coeliac disease

Since coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease, its symptoms present all over the body, and can sometimes lead people to believe they have another condition, like chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome or anaemia.

Here are some common symptoms of coeliac disease:

Stomach pain and cramps
Diarrhoea or constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal bloating
Iron deficiency
Fatigue
Dizziness
Vitamin deficiencies
Dermatitis herpiformis (an itchy rash)
Failure to thrive in children and infants
Weight loss
Fertility struggles

Coeliac disease is also closely linked to conditions including osteoporosis, Hashimoto’s, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have any of these conditions, it’s a good idea to also go for a coeliac disease screening.

Is there a cure for coeliac disease?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for coeliac disease, but it can be managed through a strict gluten-free diet. This allows the small intestine lining to heal and any symptoms to resolve.

If this specific diet isn’t followed, people with coeliac disease are at increased risk of chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies and even certain cancers.

How is coeliac disease diagnosed?

Coeliac disease is diagnosed through two steps. You first undergo a blood test that’s cross-referenced with coeliac-specific antibodies, followed by a gastroscopy and a small bowel biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

If your test results are inconclusive, your doctor might recommend that you take a quick genetic test – usually done through a blood test or cheek scrape.

Being diagnosed with coeliac disease can be a difficult experience. I personally know this – I’ve been battling it for over 10 years. But by looking after your gut and managing your symptoms, your quality of life can be improved tenfold, and you can still achieve a healthier, longer, better life.

Footnotes:
¹https://www.coeliac.org.au/s/coeliac-disease/coeliac-awareness-week

Marika Day is a nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian who knows what the body needs to function at its best. With more than five years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, Marika's holistic approach to diet and exercise is tried and true. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2023 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as at 23 January 2023 and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information

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