About coeliac disease
1 in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease but only 36% are diagnosed. That leaves 500,000 people suffering with unexplained symptoms.
What is coeliac disease
Coeliac disease (pronounced see-liac) is a serious autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system reacts to gluten.
When someone has coeliac disease, this reaction to gluten causes the immune system to attack and damage the lining of the gut (villi), the place where food and nutrients are absorbed. Coeliac disease is not an allergy or food intolerance and the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet for life.
1 in 100
1 in 100 people have coeliac disease
36%
Only 36% are diagnosed
500,000
500,000 people in the UK have coeliac disease but don’t yet know
How common is it?
Coeliac disease is a genetically linked condition, and if a first degree family member (parent, sibling or child) has coeliac disease, the chances of having the condition increase to 1 in 10, so it’s recommended that once one person is diagnosed, the rest of the immediate family is also tested.
Find out more
For more information about coeliac disease, the symptoms, causes, common myths and how to get diagnosed – explore the resources below.
Symptoms
The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from person to person and can range from very mild to severe.
Getting diagnosed
There are a wide range of symptoms associated with coeliac disease. Learn more about what to look out for and the stages of diagnosis.
Causes
People with coeliac disease possess a genetic predisposition that causes their immune system to perceive gluten as a harmful intruder.
Common myths
Uncover the truth behind some of the most common myths about coeliac disease and learn what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Related conditions
There are a number of different conditions associated with coeliac disease, from other autoimmune conditions to complications like osteoporosis.