Contact number: 020 7806 4060
Coeliac Disease Treatment
Coeliac disease treatment focuses on diagnosing the condition early and managing it through long-term dietary changes. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage. This damage affects the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients properly, which can lead to a range of digestive symptoms and wider health issues if left untreated.
Coeliac disease can develop at any age and affects around 1 in 100 people. It may also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, bones and nervous system. The condition is more common in people who have a family history of coeliac disease or other autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes.
At our specialist gastroenterology clinic, patients can access expert assessment, coeliac disease testing and personalised treatment plans to manage the condition effectively.
What Are the Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Symptoms of coeliac disease vary widely and can affect both the digestive system and general health. Some people experience clear gastrointestinal symptoms, while others have more subtle signs related to nutrient deficiencies.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Indigestion
- Fatigue or persistent tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anaemia caused by low iron levels
Some people may also develop symptoms outside the digestive system, including:
- Mouth ulcers
- Headaches
- Skin rashes (such as dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Fertility problems
- Bone weakness or osteoporosis
You may be more likely to develop coeliac disease if:
- A close family member has been diagnosed with the condition
- You have type 1 diabetes or another autoimmune disorder
- Because symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions, coeliac disease testing is often recommended if symptoms are ongoing or unexplained.
Private Coeliac Disease Testing
Accurate diagnosis is essential before starting coeliac disease treatment. Testing usually begins with blood tests that check for antibodies associated with the immune response to gluten.
These blood tests can identify most cases of coeliac disease and are often the first step in coeliac disease testing.
If results are unclear or further confirmation is required, a specialist may recommend an upper endoscopy (OGD). During this procedure, a thin flexible camera is used to examine the upper digestive tract and take small tissue samples from the small intestine to confirm whether gluten-related damage is present.
For accurate results, it is important to continue eating gluten before testing. Removing gluten from your diet too early can lead to false negative test results.
Our clinic offers private coeliac disease testing, providing fast access to specialist consultations, blood tests and endoscopic investigations where needed.
Private Treatment for Coeliac Disease
The main approach to coeliac disease treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Avoiding gluten allows the lining of the small intestine to heal and helps prevent ongoing inflammation and complications.
Most people begin to notice improvement in symptoms once gluten is removed from their diet, although full healing of the gut may take several months or longer.
Treatment plans often include:
Dietary guidance
Working with a specialist dietitian helps patients understand how to follow a gluten-free diet safely and maintain balanced nutrition.
Nutritional supplements
Some patients may require supplements such as iron, calcium or vitamins while the intestine heals and nutrient absorption improves.
Regular monitoring
Follow-up care is important to ensure the diet is working effectively. Annual reviews with blood tests may be recommended to monitor recovery and ongoing health.
At our private gastroenterology clinic, patients receive specialist support for coeliac disease treatment, including diagnosis, dietary management and long-term monitoring.
Consultants who treat Coeliac Disease
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coeliac Disease Treatment
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected and vibrant area of North West London, known for landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easily accessible from neighbouring areas, including Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
- By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital. For patients travelling from Hampstead (NW3), Finchley Road station (Jubilee Line) offers a convenient route, while Kilburn (NW6) is similarly well served by the same line.
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
- By Car: If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, use major roads like Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road for a direct approach.
Our hospital’s location in St John’s Wood ensures easy access for patients across London, particularly from the NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. Some people also experience anaemia, headaches, mouth ulcers or skin rashes. Symptoms can vary widely, which is why coeliac disease testing is important if symptoms persist.
There is no cure for coeliac disease, but it can be effectively managed. Coeliac disease treatment focuses on removing gluten from the diet, which allows the gut to heal and symptoms to improve. Long-term management helps prevent complications and supports overall health.
People with coeliac disease must avoid all foods containing gluten, including wheat, barley and rye. This includes many breads, pastas and processed foods. Careful label checking is essential, as gluten can be present in less obvious products.
Medically reviewed by Mr Massimo Varcada - MBBS MD FRCS FEBS (Coloproctology) on 11/04/2024