Coeliac disease is a reaction by the body to a protein called gluten, which is found in some foods. It is known as an autoimmune condition, which is where the body’s immune system attacks healthy parts of the body by mistake. The immune system normally attacks infections. In coeliac disease, the immune system attacks gluten and damages the small bowel. Our gluten testing service will help you understand if you need to take action.
Symptoms you might notice include:
- Abdominal pains
- Diarrhoea
- Excess wind and bloating
- Mouth ulcers
- Swollen hands, feet, arms and legs
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
- Tiredness and weakness
- Unexpected weight loss
- Vomiting (in children)
Which products contain gluten?
Biscuits, bread, breakfast cereal, cakes, our, pasta, pastry, pizza bases.
Ready meals, sauces, sausages, soups may also contain gluten.
How is coeliac disease treated?
People who have coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet.
People may also consider taking supplements for their bones and for any vitamins or minerals they might not be getting enough of.
Service description
The pharmacy team can help you find out if you have coeliac disease via a blood test that shows whether you have something called ‘antibodies’ in your blood that would suggest you have coeliac disease. Antibodies occur in your blood when your immune system attacks something such as an infection, or gluten.
The test requires a small pin prick of blood. Ask your pharmacist for more information on a test.
I have the symptoms of coeliac disease but the test says I don’t have it, what should I do?
You should speak to a healthcare professional about whether anything else could be causing your symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist about testing for coeliac disease and how to manage your symptoms.
Service details
Price: Small charge
Frequency: When required…
