Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune condition (approximately 1% of the population are affected). It is caused by sensitivity to gluten, the bowel is then damaged by continued exposure to gluten. Control of the condition requires a lifelong gluten free diet. Gluten occurs in common foods including wheat, barley and rye, and any foods made from these such as bread, pasta and biscuits. Some people with coeliac disease are also sensitive to oats.
If it is not well controlled, it can mean inadequate absorption of nutrients (such as iron and calcium) by the body. This can lead to anaemia and bone problems.
Coeliac disease can also be associated with wider problems such as autoimmune conditions affecting other body organs, and it is important that patients are monitored regularly for these.
Another potential issue with Coeliac Disease is that the body’s immune system may be affected. It is therefore particularly important that patients are up to date with all of their immunisations, including the annual flu vaccination and an extra vaccination against pneumococcal infections, which is given every five years.
We would like to invite all our patients with Coeliac Disease for an annual review, which includes two appointments.
Appointment one is for information gathering including a blood test, weight and height measurement. You will be booked with one of our Health Care Assistants.
Appointment two is with a Clinician for further information gathering and discussion. This will include review of all the information gathered, including the test results and making sure that all immunisations are up to date.
We will be contacting all patients on our register in due course, but please ask to book these appointments if you have coeliac disease and have not had a review in the last 12 months
For further information please see the Coeliac UK website.