The only ways to diagnose coeliac disease are with a blood test or a gut biopsy. Book your blood test now.
Overview
What is coeliac disease?
It’s a reaction to gluten proteins contained in grains like wheat and barley, in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissue in your gut.
Is coeliac disease the same things as a gluten allergy/intolerance?
No. They’re all distinct conditions. See below for more details.
What are the symptoms?
Range from bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea to extreme fatigue and weight loss.
How do I know if I have coeliac disease?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
Should I switch to a gluten-free diet now?
No. Take the test, then see your GP before making any dietary changes.
Did You Know?
If you have coeliac disease, your close family is at increased risk of having it too. NICE recommends screening with a blood test, which can help give everyone piece of mind.
Is it coeliac disease?
Checking for a condition such as coeliac disease isn’t something you can do without a blood test or biopsy. That’s because many of the symptoms of coeliac disease overlap with other conditions such as gluten intolerance and gluten allergy.
So, the simplest way to diagnose the condition is to follow these steps.
1. What are the symptoms?
As coeliac disease affects the gut, most symptoms are gut-related too, including bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea. As the condition affects the way your gut lining absorbs nutrients it may also cause severe fatigue and weight loss.
In extreme cases, and particularly in children, coeliac disease can lead to malnourishment and affect a child’s growth.
The conditions of gluten intolerance are like the milder symptoms of coeliac disease. Because an intolerance does not affect the gut lining, however, symptoms such as weight loss and malnourishment should be less likely.
Gluten allergy can also cause symptoms like coeliac disease. It can also cause itching and hives, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Of all forms of gluten reactions, this is the only one that can pose an immediate risk to life.
2. Take the test
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms of coeliac disease, it’s important to take the blood test to know for sure which condition you have.
There are many blood tests that can check for gluten-based conditions. If you’re unsure which would be best for you, please call us on NUMBER or we’ll come to you.
3. See your GP
There is no cure for coeliac disease, but even though gluten is a regular ingredient in bread, pasta, cakes, beer and more, it is now much easier to find gluten-free products that should help you avoid the symptoms.
However, even if your coeliac disease blood test proves positive, you should see your GP before switching to a gluten-free diet.
Book your test
Better2Know Your Body offers many blood tests designed to check for coeliac disease, gluten allergy and gluten intolerance. Each test explores genetic predisposition and a varying range of antibodies. This test checks for:
- Tissue Transglutaminase (IgA)
- HLA DQ2/DQ8
- Total IgA
Testing with B2KYB can remove uncertainty and give you piece of mind far faster than having to wait for GP and blood test appointments. Talk to us about your test now.
To book your test contact Better2Know Your Body now on the number above or click the Book Now button below.