 More information on Wheat and Grain Allergy Other types of food allergy Coeliac Disease (Celiac Disease)Coeliac Disease (also known in other countries as Celiac Disease, and pronounced See-li-ac) is an autoimmune condition in which the sufferer has a lifelong intolerance to gluten. This is not the same as an allergic reaction but is every bit as distressing for the patient. It can be found in all ages from middle infancy to adult and affects 1 in every 100 people. The condition means that when the sufferer eats gluten – found in wheat, barley and rye – that the body reacts negatively and attacks the lining of the small intestine. This can be mild or more severe depending on the individual but they will often suffer from a range of symptoms which can include bloating, lethargy, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, headaches and changes in weight (sometimes unexplained weight loss in adults or a failure to thrive in children). Many people suffer from a skin condition linked directly to their condition known as Dermatitis Herpetiformis or DH. This is a red raised rash, often with blisters, that occurs across the body. The face, shoulders, elbows knees and buttocks are often affected. There are lots of tests available through your GP and specialists clinics but once tested positive the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet, which you can receive help and assistance with, including prescriptions for bread products etc.. One of the best sources of information available is www.coeliac.org.uk . They have extensive information to help educate the newly diagnosed, or interested parties, as well as offering helpful shopping guides for safe products and support. |
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