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Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 2 2001
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease affects at least 1 in 2000 Australians. It causes inflammation of the intestine which can result in diarrhoea and bloating. In severe cases the patient may lose weight or become anaemic.
A component of gluten, found in wheat, triggers coeliac disease. Patients are therefore treated with a gluten-free diet.
Before starting this lifelong diet, the diagnosis must be confirmed. This requires a piece of the intestine to be examined under a microscope. To take a sample the doctor looks down the gut with an endoscope. These tests are repeated, after at least six months, to see if the diet has worked.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No.2 2001
