FAQ for Coeliacs / Celiacs
Our FAQ is a quick reference info snippet and you can find more details about the signs and symptoms of Coeliac diseae on our main Coeliac Pages
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac or celiac disease is NOT a food allergy or a food intolerance. Coeliac disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine resulting in damage to the villi (in the gut). It is an autoimmune response to gluten, which means that the immune system (which normally protects the body from infections) mistakenly attacks itself. The lining of the small intestine contains millions of tiny tube-shaped structures called villi. These help food and nutrients to be digested more effectively into the body. In Coeliac disease, thes villi are flattened due to the inflammation of the lining of the gut and therefore food and nutrients are not readily digested into the body.
Who gets Coeliac Disease?
Anyone can get Coeliac disease, adults or children, though it is thought that genetic predisposition is a factor. Coeliac disease can be triggered at a time of stress, viral infection or traumatic event.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rash found on the skin and is associated with Coeliac disease.
If I have a wheat allergy, do i have Coeliac disease?
NO. A wheat allergy is very different to Coeliac disease, though may display similar symptoms. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease and therefore uf gluten is consumed antibodies are produced and attack the body..
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. For some people oat gluten can also cause an autoimmune response. It is also worth noting that oats are often used on a production line or in a factory where wheat is used and therefore cross contamination can occur.
What happens if i get 'glutened'?
Eating gluten by mistake or eating something that ha been cross contaminated can have a different effect on different people. The reaction will never be anaphylatic shock but symptoms can be bloating for a few hours or sickness or diarrhoea and lethargy. Symptoms can last a few hours or several days. Being 'glutened' once is not going to destry the villi in your intestines, this happens over a sustained period of time
How will I know what foods are safe to eat?
Food packing is increasingly becoming more Coeliac-friendly. Look for 'gluten' free on packaging or 'suitable for Coeliacs/celiacs'
Who is funding CoeliacKids.co.uk?
The website Coeliackids.co.uk is run for non-profit. The website has a few useful links to manufacturers and book sellers of useful Coeliac related useful. Any purchases made from links to other websites results in a small cash back to us at no cost to you. So feel free to follow links and purchase if of use or ignore if not wanted.