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Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is a long-term autoimmune condition where the body reacts abnormally to gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
For people with coeliac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, reducing the ability to absorb nutrients properly.
Coeliac disease affects people of all ages and is more common than many people realise.
It is estimated that around 1 in 70 New Zealanders have coeliac disease, but many remain undiagnosed.
Diagnosis is confirmed through a combination of blood tests and a small bowel biopsy, usually done during a gastroscopy.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Symptoms of coeliac disease can vary widely between individuals and may affect different parts of the body. Some people may have no noticeable symptoms at all.
Common symptoms:
Diarrhoea or loose stools
Abdominal pain or bloating
Fatigue or low energy
Weight loss
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Other symptoms may include:
Anaemia (low iron levels)
Skin rashes
Mouth ulcers
Bone or joint pain
Coeliac Disease Treatment
The only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
This means completely avoiding foods and products that contain wheat, barley, or rye.
Your gastroenterologist and dietitian will work with you to ensure you get the right advice, follow-up care, and dietary guidance to manage the condition effectively.
Gluten-free Diet
Following a gluten-free diet allows the gut lining to heal, improves symptoms, and helps prevent long-term complications. Most people notice an improvement in symptoms within weeks of removing gluten from their diet.
A dietitian can help you learn how to identify gluten-containing foods, read food labels confidently, find safe alternatives and gluten-free options and maintain a balanced and nutritious diet
While adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle can take time, most people with coeliac disease are able to live full, active lives once they are well-managed.
Find A Specialist
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Dr Stephanie Brown
Registered Dietitian
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Nicky McCarthy
Registered Dietitian
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Dr Thomas Caspritz
Gastroenterologist
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Dr Thomas Herregods
Gastroenterologist
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Dr Kurt Sanford
Gastroenterologist
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Dr Alison Ross
Gastroenterologist
