It is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system attacks its own tissues when gluten (a protein found in some foods) is consumed. The immune system mistakes the substances that make up gluten for something harmful, and releases antibodies that lead to inflammation and the intestine being unable to absorb nutrients.
It affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK but it is frequently misdiagnosed as other bowel conditions meaning there are many people who have coeliac disease but don't yet know. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, nausea, bloating, tiredness and mouth ulcers.
Watch this short video to find out more about the symptoms and diagnosis of coeliac disease.
If you think you might have coeliac disease, you can complete a free online assessment to find out if you should be tested.
Coeliac disease is a lifelong condition and the only treatment is a gluten free diet. You can read about patients' experiences of coeliac disease in this comic.
Our webpage provides information for people with coeliac disease, their families and carers and professionals who work with them.
Coeliac disease
