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Article: Coeliac disease
- Article from:
- Community Practitioner
- Article date:
- June 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright TG Scott & Son Ltd. Jun 2001. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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GASTROENTEROLOGY PROBLEMS
Coeliac disease, until recently thought to be an uncommon disorder presenting in childhood, is now considered to be much more prevalent affecting more people in older age groups, but which may remain undiagnosed. In the sixth of a series of gastroenterology problems, JUNE THOMPSON looks at the epidemiology, symptoms and management of this disease in children and adults
Coeliac disease, also known as coeliac spree or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a permanent intolerance to ingested gluten-- containing grains (for example, wheat, barley and rye) in genetically susceptible individuals.1,2
It is characterised by inflammation of the small-intestinal mucosa as a ...