Coeliac disease is a serious condition that can cause long term health problems and significantly impact your quality of life if not treated. So it’s vital that if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, that you seek testing and diagnosis as early as possible.

The sooner your condition is identified, the sooner you can start a gluten free diet and find relief from the symptoms of coeliac disease. Coeliac UK estimates that the average time taken to obtain a diagnosis of coeliac disease is 13 years, as the symptoms are wide ranging and the condition is often misdiagnosed.

Early diagnosis in children

Early diagnosis of coeliac disease is important for all ages, but it’s especially important for young children. Coeliac disease can significantly impair the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients it needs. If growing children become under-nourished, then this will prevent them developing as they should, which may lead to lifelong consequences.

Early detection in young children can be difficult, as they simply don’t have the vocabulary to accurately describe how they feel. The symptoms of coeliac disease are often dismissed as just a ‘tummy ache’ or ‘fussy eating’. However, if your child often complains of stomach pains or discomfort, appears lethargic, or doesn’t seem to be developing as you would expect, then you should speak to your GP about testing for coeliac disease.

Early diagnosis in adults

The symptoms of coeliac disease are not only unpleasant and uncomfortable, ranging from tiredness to diarrhoea and vomiting, if left untreated, coeliac disease can also have serious long-term health implications. Untreated coeliac disease can lead to anaemia, osteoporosis, infertility and even increase your risk of certain rare forms of cancer, so it’s essential that you seek help and get tested as soon as possible.

The symptoms of coeliac disease can also significantly compromise your quality of life, leaving you feeling lethargic and unwell and unable to enjoy life to the full. A diagnosis of coeliac disease can be life-changing, helping you to understand your condition, manage your symptoms and finally find relief.

Early diagnosis gives an early warning

Coeliac disease is a genetic condition that is often passed down through families. While only around one in a hundred of the general population have coeliac disease, the risk rises to one in ten if you have a close family member with the condition.

Early diagnosis of your own coeliac disease could lead to identification of the condition in other members of your family who may have also experienced symptoms of coeliac disease. This can help them to seek an early diagnosis of their own, and this genetic link can be particularly helpful when it comes to spotting coeliac disease early in young children.

A simple test, and effective treatment

If you think that you have the symptoms of coeliac disease, then your GP can investigate this with a simple blood test. In many cases, this may be all that is required, although some people may also need a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm their diagnosis.

If it is confirmed that you have coeliac disease, then it can be treated effectively by following a strict gluten free diet. This should stop the symptoms and allow your gut to recover.

It can take many years to be diagnosed, as the symptoms of coeliac disease are often confused with IBS or other, less serious gut issues. Before making a diagnosis of IBS, GP’s are required to test for coeliac disease, so don’t be afraid to question your GP if they don’t first exclude coeliac disease as a cause for your symptoms.  

The benefits of early diagnosis

The sooner your symptoms of coeliac disease are investigated, the sooner you can set about reducing and removing them from your life. If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease, then your GP or gastroenterologist will refer you to a specialist dietitian, who will help you to switch to a gluten free diet. They will guide you on what you can and cannot eat, and make sure that you’re still getting all the essential nutrients that you need.

Once you have a formal diagnosis of coeliac disease, you will also qualify for certain gluten free foods on prescription. This varies between the home nations, as well as between different regions in England. Your GP will tell you what you are entitled to in your area.

You can start by claiming your free Glutafin taster box, packed with samples of our tasty gluten free foods that you may be able to get on prescription.

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about

Given the nature of some of the symptoms of coeliac disease, it’s understandable that some people may feel embarrassed to talk to their doctor about them.

There really is nothing to be embarrassed about, but even if you do feel this way, it’s worth a few minutes of discomfort to access the huge benefits of getting a coeliac disease diagnosis. If you’re feeling any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, don’t put it off; make that appointment with your GP today.

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