is coeliac disease genetic?

Is coeliac disease genetic?

There is a genetic element to coeliac disease which makes certain individuals more susceptible to the condition than others. Around 10% of close relatives of people with coeliac disease (parents, siblings, children) are at risk of developing the condition.

10% of close relatives are at risk of developing coeliac disease.

This increases to approximately 70% in monozygotic twins (i.e. twins from the same egg). Monozygotic twins are genetically identical (unless there is a mutation during development) and have nearly identical DNA, but differing environmental factors throughout their lives affect which genes are switched on and off. In those with a predisposition to coeliac disease, following exposure to gluten, both have a high risk of developing coeliac disease. In comparison, dizygotic twins (from separate eggs), have a very small chance of having the same chromosomal/genetic profile and therefore a much lower risk of developing coeliac disease (11-20%).

These percentages support the evidence for a genetic link to coeliac disease.

How common is coeliac disease?

It is estimated that coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people, although it is thought only 1 in 8 are diagnosed with the disease. The 2008 IBS guidelines state that doctors should rule out coeliac disease before diagnosing IBS (which up to 60% of coeliacs are misdiagnosed with initially). Coeliac disease can affect people of both sexes and all age groups, though for many the condition manifests in later life.

What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition brought on by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye*.

What is dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition caused by an intolerance to gluten and is considered as the skin ‘symptom’ of coeliac disease.

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease? Coeliac disease has a wide range of symptoms but if you are at all affected by tiredness, anaemia, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and mouth ulcers then this may be an indication that you have coeliac disease.

How do I get diagnosed with coeliac disease? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm diagnosis.

What is the treatment for coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a life long condition, treated by excluding gluten from your diet. With this treatment, you should feel better in a short space of time and remain so for the rest of your life.

If I have coeliac disease do I need to avoid wheat? If you have coeliac disease you are intolerant to gluten, so you should follow a gluten free diet to help your small intestine recover and absorb the nutrients you need from food.

Codex wheat starch A number of gluten free foods contain Codex wheat starch, which has had the gluten washed out to a trace level so is considered safe for people with coeliac disease.

Support for those living with coeliac disease For those people who have been diagnosed and don’t have a friend or family member suffering coeliac disease it can be quite scary.

Coeliac disease and osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a thinning of bones which makes them more fragile and prone to breaking following a small fall or bump.

Coeliac disease and diabetes There is a proven link between type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, with people with type 1 diabetes being more likely to develop a sensitivity to gluten.

Coeliac disease and pregnancy Pregnancy is an important time during which women with coeliac disease should be regularly followed up.