24/02/2026
Coeliac 6
Quiz & Answers
Q1. What is coeliac disease?
A1. It is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten.
Q2. What are the symptoms?
A2. There is a range including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.
Q3. How many people have coeliac disease in the UK?
A3. About 1 in 100.
Q4. What causes the disease?
A4. In people with the disease their immune systems mistake substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks thick healthy tissue.
Q5. Why does their immune system act in this way?
A5. It is not entirely clear but is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment.
Q6. What happens then?
A6. The surface of the small bowel (intestines) becomes damaged disrupting the body’s ability to take in nutrients from food.
Q7. What is the treatment?
A7. There is no cure for coeliac disease but following a gluten free diet should help control the symptoms.
Q8. How do you diagnose coeliac disease?
A8. Testing is usually only recommended for people who have a family history of the condition.
Q9. What happens if I continue to eat gluten?
A9. Potential long term complications include weakening of the bones, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Q10. Where can I get help and support?
A10. Coeliac UK is a UK charity that has useful resources like information about gluten free diets, local groups and ongoing campaigns.