Digestive system disorders:
Coeliac disease:
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system identifies gluten as a threat. This threat
damages the surface of the small intestine. The antibodies that are produced cause the
surface of the intestine to be inflamed. The damage and inflammation to the lining of the
gut flattens villi, thus will no longer be able to help digest nutrients from the food.
There is no cure for this disease, however it is highly suggested that following a gluten free
diet helps manage the symptoms.
The symptoms of this disease include:
- Vomiting
- Bloated abdomen
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle wasting
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Indigestion
Potential deficiencies of coeliac disease include:
- Iron deficiency (anaemia)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (anaemia)
Who is affected?
This disease is a very common disorder which affecting at least 1 in every 100 people in the
UK.
There are no specific causes as to why people have coeliac disease, it is a disorder which
may affect some more than others. If coeliac disease is common in family history, there is a
high risk of developing this disease.
Some environmental factors such as:
- You had developed a digestive system infection during childhood
- Not being breastfed as a baby
Other health conditions which could increase risk of developing coeliac disease:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Down syndrome
For a diagnosis you will either get a blood test or a biopsy
Coeliac disease:
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system identifies gluten as a threat. This threat
damages the surface of the small intestine. The antibodies that are produced cause the
surface of the intestine to be inflamed. The damage and inflammation to the lining of the
gut flattens villi, thus will no longer be able to help digest nutrients from the food.
There is no cure for this disease, however it is highly suggested that following a gluten free
diet helps manage the symptoms.
The symptoms of this disease include:
- Vomiting
- Bloated abdomen
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle wasting
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Indigestion
Potential deficiencies of coeliac disease include:
- Iron deficiency (anaemia)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (anaemia)
Who is affected?
This disease is a very common disorder which affecting at least 1 in every 100 people in the
UK.
There are no specific causes as to why people have coeliac disease, it is a disorder which
may affect some more than others. If coeliac disease is common in family history, there is a
high risk of developing this disease.
Some environmental factors such as:
- You had developed a digestive system infection during childhood
- Not being breastfed as a baby
Other health conditions which could increase risk of developing coeliac disease:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Down syndrome
For a diagnosis you will either get a blood test or a biopsy
