Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease manifested by immunologically mediated chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is based on an immune response triggered by gluten. Gluten is mainly found in wheat and rye products, but also in other grain varieties. The immune response caused by gluten leads to chronic inflammation and damage to the mucous membrane of the small intestine and consequently to malabsorption of nutrients. According to current estimates, the incidence rate of coeliac disease in Germany is approximately 1:100, whereby 80 - 90 % of those affected show atypical symptoms and are therefore often unaware of their disease. Although the disease may generally occur at any age, two frequency peaks are observed: one before the age of 8 years and the other between the ages of 20 and 50 years. A predisposition to coeliac disease can be clarified by means of testing. The genetic test has a high negative predictive value. If the genes are not mutated, coeliac disease can most probably be excluded.