The NHS has issued a warning that persistent bloating, despite lifestyle changes such as dieting or exercising, could be a sign of a common condition that requires testing. However, if you notice an improvement, it’s crucial to maintain a careful diet and not to change it until you see a doctor.
As stated on the NHS inform website, coeliac disease is a common autoimmune disorder where the immune system in a person’s gut reacts when they consume gluten. This reaction causes chronic inflammation and can result in symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and sensations of numbness and tingling.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and therefore it’s present in many everyday food and drink items. Given that these foods often form part of our daily diet and with coeliac disease affecting one in every 100 people, it’s worth noting the symptoms and whether they worsen after consuming any of the above food or drinks.
What are the symptoms of Coeliac disease?
People often refer to the period of worsening symptoms as a flare-up. Coeliac disease can trigger a variety of symptoms in the digestive system and throughout the body.
Symptoms can appear at any stage of life, but coeliac disease is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60 years. The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Some common symptoms of coeliac disease include:
Some common symptoms of coeliac disease include:
- severe diarrhoea, excessive wind and/or constipation
- persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting
- recurrent stomach pain, cramping or bloating
- iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
- anaemia
- neurological (nerve) problems such as ataxia (loss of coordination, poor balance) and peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)
- tiredness
- sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases)
- mouth ulcers
- skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- depression
- repeated miscarriages
In some cases, symptoms can be confused with other conditions. The NHS advises that if you exhibit any of these signs or symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your GP.
However, it’s important not to stop consuming gluten until after testing, as this could affect the accuracy of the results. You can also take Coeliac UK’s online assessment here to determine if you might have this common condition.