Coeliac disease

Data gathering

• Red flags
• Others – diabetes, thyroid
• Examine – BMI, abdominal exam

Clinical management

• Investigations
  • Bloods – FBC, U+Es, LFTs, ESR, calcium, TTG
  • Stool MC&S

• Explanation
  • reaction of the bowel to gluten which is found in foods made of wheat, barley, rye. These foods can cause irritation of the small intestine lining resulting in food not being properly absorbed. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss. If the blood test is positive, a sample of the gut will need to be taken to confirm

• Treatment
  • Lifelong gluten free diet
  • Dietician referral
  • Vitamin supplements for first 6 months – iron, calcium
  • Vaccinations – annual flu, one off pneumococcal

• Follow Up – 6month