Associated conditions and complications

Associated Conditions

Coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. is associated with other conditions. The NICENational Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence - an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health. NICE had produced a clinical guideline on the recognition and assessment of coeliac disease. guideline on the recognition  of coeliac disease reviews the conditions associated with coeliac disease.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people. There is growing evidence to suggest that DH is the skin presentation of coeliac disease. It is treated by a gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet but many patients will also need treatment with medication.

Autoimmune conditions                                                                                          

Coeliac disease is associated with an increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions including diabetes and thyroid disease.

Lactose intolerance                                                                                       

Some people who are diagnosed with coeliac disease suffer from secondary lactose intolerance, caused by the gut damage. Usually this is a temporary problem and people recover from this once the gut heals.

Autism                                                                                                                                               

Autism spectrum disorder is not associated with coeliac disease but some people are now turning to a glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. and caseinA protein that is found in milk. -free diet as a treatment. There is little evidence to support any benefits for this.

Complications

People with undiagnosed coeliac disease or those who are not following a strict gluten-free diet are at a higher risk of having complications like osteoporosisA condition where your bones lose bone mass and become brittle. , lymphoma and infertility.  

Osteoporosis

The risk of osteoporosis is increased in those who are diagnosed late in life due to chronic malabsorption of calcium. Effective management is important to avoid complications of osteoporosis such as fractures.

Cancer

Cancer is a serious complication of coeliac disease. Once a patient has followed the gluten-free diet for three to five years, their risk of developing cancer is no greater than that of the general population.

Infertility    

The risk of infertility and negative outcomes in pregnancy are increased in undiagnosed coeliac disease. Negative pregnancy outcomes can include reduced birth weight with increased risk of preterm birth and higher caesarean section rates. The risks are reduced following diagnosis and adherence to the gluten-free diet.