Coeliac disease is a prevalent but often undiagnosed autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. In individuals with coeliac disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body in response to gluten. This immune reaction leads to inflammation, which can cause a wide range of symptoms.
Around 1 in 70 Australians are affected by coeliac disease, but only about 20% of those cases are diagnosed. This means the majority of Australians with coeliac disease remain unaware of their condition.
If coeliac disease goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed late, it can lead to long-term health issues such as infertility, iron deficiency, osteoporosis, liver disease and an increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. However, a diagnosis and adherence to a gluten-free diet can significantly reduce the likelihood of these long-term complications.
Anyone diagnosed with coeliac disease must adhere to a gluten-free diet, as it is the only effective treatment. By following this diet, the body can recover, and symptoms can subside.
Coeliac disease is a permanent condition, and reintroducing gluten into the diet will unfortunately lead to a relapse. Untreated coeliac disease can lead to a wide range of symptoms, some more noticeable than others. It can also present differently in each person, with symptoms varying from severe to none at all (asymptomatic).
It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms does not necessarily indicate the extent of internal damage. Even if no symptoms are apparent, untreated coeliac disease still poses a risk to your health. Everyone with coeliac disease, regardless of symptoms, must follow a gluten-free diet.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.