Coeliac disease treatment
The range of symptoms associated with coeliac disease means that it is not easy to diagnose. Coeliac disease is usually suspected when someone has severe abdominal symptoms and also shows signs of malnourishment or anaemia.
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What is it for?
Individuals who have severe abdominal symptoms
Treatment overview
The range of symptoms associated with coeliac disease means that it is not easy to diagnose. Coeliac disease is usually suspected when someone has severe abdominal symptoms and also shows signs of malnourishment or anaemia.
Coeliac disease can be more firmly diagnosed using:
- Family history: some genes make people more likely to develop coeliac disease, however, 20% of Europeans who have these genes never develop the disease.
- Blood tests: tests that include specific and sensitive antibodies called tissue transglutaminase or anti-endomysial antibodies can be used to detect the majority of coeliacs.
- Endoscopy: this is done to examine the small intestine using a camera. A biopsy taken from the intestinal wall is examined under a microscope. The tiny projections called villi on the inner surface of the intestine are characteristically short in people with coeliac disease and the lining contains an excess of inflammatory cells.
Prevention and treatment:
If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease there is no instant cure or even a specific treatment.
It is possible to treat the symptoms of the disease and the first step is to remedy any nutrient, vitamin, or iron deficiency that has developed. Pain relief can be given during severe attacks of abdominal pain.
Prevention is also important; the only way to prevent symptoms of coeliac disease is to avoid foods that contain gluten.
This is difficult as many foods contain gluten but fortunately, with wider awareness of the condition, many restaurants now cater for people with coeliac disease.
Refractory coeliac disease
In some cases, removing gluten from the diet does not remove the symptoms of coeliac disease. This form is defined as refractory coeliac disease, which is usually treated by corticosteroids until the worst of the symptoms subside. Sticking to a gluten-free diet is then still essential as ingesting any gluten can bring on a relapse and can increase the risk of long-term damage of the intestinal wall.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis