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Associated Conditions

Most Common Associated Conditions

There are a number of conditions associated with coeliac disease. Many people with coeliac disease also suffer from other autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions, dermatitis herpetiformis or malnutrition.

However, people who suffer with these conditions will be relieved to know that just like coeliac disease, they can hope to see a significant improvement in their symptoms after following a gluten free diet for some time. While research is still being conducted on many of the conditions, here is what we do now about them:

SYMPTOMS OF COELIAC DISEASE

Malnutrition

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Malabsorption may lead to malnutrition and/or a number of associated conditions. These can include alopecia, dental enamel defects, iron deficiency, lethargy, mouth ulcers, osteoporosis and infertility. Some of these conditions (like dental enamel defects), may already be established in people diagnosed with coeliac disease and can be difficult to remedy.  
However, once coeliac disease is diagnosed (NB: it is very important you receive a diagnosis prior to starting a gluten free diet), consuming a gluten free diet will improve the majority of these associated problems. . It will also minimize the risk of developing new problems related to malabsorption, because as the gut heals, absorption of nutrients increases.

Autoimmune Conditions

As it is likely there is a common gene link, people with coeliac disease are genetically predisposed to developing other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes. Though further research needs to be undertaken, there is also a correlation with other autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis.

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Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastrointestinal conditions associated with coelaic disease can include:
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Pernicious anaemia (inability to absorb B12)
  • Pancreatic insufficiency (inability to properly digest food)
  • Microscopic colitis (watery diarrhoea)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Gastrointestinal cancers

Long term undiagnosed coeliac disease has a small associated risk of developing certain kinds of rare gut cancers. However, once you have been following a gluten free diet for some time there is no increased risk above that of the general population.

"Together, we are GF for life"

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

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Understand coeliac disease

TREATMENT

Coeliac disease is treated by a life-long gluten free diet. By specifically removing the cause of the disease, this treatment allows all abnormalities to recover completely. As long as the diet is adhered to strictly, patients can recover.

An initial few weeks on both a gluten/lactose free diet will allow the bowel lining to replace its 'lactase' enzyme quantities, which digest lactose sugar prior to absorption. This may take longer for some individuals than others.

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About Coeliac New Zealand

Your partner in
healthy living

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

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