Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease (gluten enteropathy) is a condition in which sensitivity in the small bowel to a number of proteins found in grains such as wheat, rye and millet damages the absorptive surfaces of the bowel, and gives rise to complaints such as deficiencies of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, chronic diarrhoea (generally), and failure to grow in children.

Endoscopically, flattening and loss of the duodenal folds and atrophy of the duodenal lining are seen. The blood tests anti-endomysial antibody IgA, and antigliadin antibody IgA and IgG, are positive. The treatment is to keep away from foods containing gluten.