Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity
Coeliac disease affects how your body responds to gluten and can damage the small intestine. Our specialists offer testing, diagnosis and treatment to help you manage symptoms and protect your gut health.
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What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten found in barley, wheat, rye and some oats. This causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption.
Coeliac disease symptoms, causes and risks
Coeliac disease can impact people in different ways. Understanding the presentation, causes, and risk factors can help you recognise the condition and seek a diagnosis.
Symptoms of coeliac disease
Symptoms of coeliac disease vary widely. Some people have digestive symptoms, while others experience signs outside the bowel or no symptoms at all.
- Digestive symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain and constipation
- Non-digestive signs include fatigue, iron deficiency, headaches and reduced bone density
- Some people with coeliac disease have no symptoms but still develop intestinal damage
What causes coeliac disease
The exact and main cause of coeliac disease is not fully understood. It involves an immune response to gluten in people with certain genes, including HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8.
- Gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small bowel
- Damage to the villi affects how the body absorbs nutrients from food
- Even small amounts of gluten can cause inflammation and ongoing intestinal damage
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Risk factors for coeliac disease
Some people are more likely to develop coeliac disease. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, family history, and certain health or environmental triggers.
- A first-degree relative with coeliac disease increases your risk significantly
- Genetic markers such as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are linked to the condition
- Triggers may include infections, stress, pregnancy or other immune-related conditions
How common is coeliac disease in Australia
Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune condition in Australia, but many people remain undiagnosed. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and supports better long-term health.
- Around 1 in 70 Australians is estimated to have coeliac disease
- Up to 80% of people with coeliac disease are not yet diagnosed
- Many adults develop coeliac disease later in life, even without clear symptoms
How coeliac disease is diagnosed
Diagnosis of coeliac disease involves testing while you are still eating gluten. Accurate diagnosis helps guide treatment and long-term management with a gluten-free diet.
Blood tests for coeliac
Blood tests check for antibodies linked to coeliac disease. You must still eat gluten for accurate results.
Gastroscopy and biopsy
A gastroscopy allows specialists to take a biopsy from the small bowel to check for villous atrophy and damage.
Diagnosis and management
Once diagnosed with coeliac disease, we guide your treatment plan and support you to follow a gluten-free diet.
Services for coeliac care
We offer a range of services to support the diagnosis of coeliac disease and ongoing management. These services help confirm your condition and guide treatment.
Get tested and treated for coeliac disease
If you have symptoms or concerns about coeliac disease, our specialists can help. Book an appointment for diagnosis, clear answers and treatment guidance.
Why trust our Moonee Valley specialists
Our clinic combines specialist expertise with a patient-first approach. We focus on accurate diagnosis and clear treatment plans for coeliac disease.
Specialist-led care
You’ll be treated by experienced gastroenterologists who understand coeliac disease and related digestive conditions .
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Accurate diagnosis and testing
We use proven diagnostic methods, including blood tests and biopsy, to confirm coeliac disease and guide your treatment.
Simple and clear explanations
We help you understand your condition, including how gluten triggers your symptoms and what dietary changes are needed.
Support beyond diagnosis
We support you with ongoing management, including advice on maintaining a lifelong gluten-free diet and monitoring your health.
How we manage coeliac disease
Our process focuses on accurate diagnosis and practical treatment. We help you understand your condition and provide clear steps to manage coeliac disease long-term.
Assessment
We review symptoms and health history to identify signs of coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
Confirm diagnosis
Testing confirms coeliac disease and assesses damage to the small bowel and nutrient absorption.
Ongoing care
We support you in removing gluten from your diet and managing symptoms with clear, practical guidance.
Doctor referral information
A GP referral is usually required to access specialist care. Speak with your doctor or contact our team for guidance on booking your appointment.
Meet our specialist team
Our experienced team provides specialist-led care across diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. We focus on clear communication and supporting you at every stage.
Accredited specialist care you trust
Our team is qualified through leading medical bodies and maintains strong affiliations with major hospitals, supporting safe and reliable patient care.
Professional affiliations and networks
Our team works closely with respected hospitals and professional bodies, ensuring that patients receive trusted, up-to-date specialist care.
What our patients say
Our patients value clear explanations, fast access to care and ongoing support. Read how we’ve helped others feel confident in their diagnosis and treatment.
Get coeliac disease management from health professionals
If you have signs of coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, we can help. Get tested, diagnosed, and supported in following a safe gluten-free diet.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about coeliac disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
How do you get coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease develops in people with certain ‘coeliac genes’. Gluten plays an important role in triggering coeliac disease by activating an immune response in the small intestine. Environmental factors such as stress or infections may also contribute to when symptoms first appear.
What are the signs of coeliac disease?
Signs of coeliac disease can vary and may include digestive symptoms, fatigue, or a skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. Some people experience a flare after eating gluten-containing foods, while others have milder or less obvious symptoms.
What is the treatment for coeliac disease?
There is no new product or treatment for coeliac disease. The only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Removing gluten from your diet allows the lining of the small intestine to heal. A dietitian can help someone with coeliac disease maintain a balanced intake of food nutrients.
What happens if coeliac disease is untreated?
If left untreated, coeliac disease can cause ongoing damage to the small intestine, including flattening of the villi, the finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. This can affect how the body absorbs food nutrients and may lead to complications such as fatigue, bone issues and liver disease.
Can coeliac disease develop later in life?
Yes, coeliac disease can present or develop at any age, including in adulthood. Some people may not experience symptoms until later in life or after a triggering event. Since symptoms are often mild or mistaken for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, many people remain undiagnosed without proper testing.
Which foods contain gluten that I should avoid?
Foods that contain gluten include rye, wheat, barley, and products made from these grains. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and many processed foods. Even small amounts of gluten-containing foods can trigger symptoms and damage to the small intestine. Oats may also cause issues for some people unless they are certified gluten-free.
Contact us
If you have questions about coeliac disease, diagnosis or treatment, our team is here to help. Contact us to book an appointment or speak with a member of our team.
Phone Consults: 8:00am - 6:00pm
