Coeliac Disease
What is Coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an illness caused by a reaction to eating gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye.
What causes Coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—in people who are genetically predisposed. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, damaging tiny finger-like structures called villi. These villi are essential for absorbing nutrients from food, and when they’re damaged, it can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies.
While genetics play a key role, having the genes alone doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop the condition. Other factors may contribute to triggering coeliac disease, such as:
- Gluten in the diet
- Changes in gut bacteria (the microbiome)
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Infant feeding practices
- Life events like surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infections, or severe emotional stress
Speak to our team about Coeliac disease
Bupa Accredited Gastroenterology Service
We are proud to be officially recognised as a Bupa Accredited Provider for community gastroenterology services. This accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care you can trust.
- NHS & Private Patients seen within 5 Working Days
- NHS Consultants with 20+ years experience
- Competitive Fees for Private patients
How can we help you?
Our team is here to help you get answers quickly. We provide rapid diagnostic assessments and expert-led treatment pathways tailored to your needs. Don’t delay—early diagnosis makes a difference.
