What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder, triggered by the ingestion of gluten protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, and weight loss. If left untreated, it can cause long-term damage to the digestive system.
How Do You Test for Coeliac Disease?
The most common test for coeliac disease is the endomysial antibody (EMA) test. This test looks for antibodies in the blood that are associated with coeliac disease. The EMA test is very sensitive and accurate, but it is not always reliable in very young children. The other test used to diagnose coeliac disease is the tissue transglutaminase (tTG) test. The tTG test looks for the presence of antibodies that are specific to coeliac disease. The tTG test is more accurate than the EMA test, but it is not as sensitive.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is another way to test for coeliac disease. This test looks for certain genes that are linked to coeliac disease. If the genes are present, then the person is more likely to develop coeliac disease. However, genetic testing is not always reliable and it is not recommended for routine diagnosis.
Small Intestinal Biopsy
The most reliable way to diagnose coeliac disease is to perform a small intestinal biopsy. During this procedure, a small sample of the intestine is taken and examined under a microscope. If the small intestine shows damage consistent with coeliac disease, then the diagnosis can be confirmed.