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Concerned about symptoms?
Most patients are seen within one to two weeks at Cobalt Hospital.
Secretary
RELATED
Coeliac Disease Testing
IBS
Bloating
Gastroscopy
TRUSTED INFORMATION
US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, digestive disease information.
What is coeliac disease?
An autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. With an accurate diagnosis and a gluten-free diet, the bowel usually heals well.
Coeliac disease symptoms are commonly investigated by Dr Kejariwal, given his specialist interest in the condition. Coeliac disease itself is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten triggers the immune system to attack the lining of the small bowel, causing symptoms and, over time, difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.
Patients across Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland see Dr Kejariwal for coeliac disease testing given his specialist interest in coeliac disease and nutritional disorders, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and appropriate long-term follow-up.
Causes and risk factors
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It has a strong genetic component, and having a close relative with coeliac disease significantly increases your own risk, a finding supported by clinical research into coeliac disease and related digestive conditions (PubMed, 2010).
Symptoms
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea or loose, greasy stools
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
- Iron or vitamin deficiencies, such as anaemia
- Sometimes few or no symptoms at all
When to seek help: Persistent digestive symptoms alongside unexplained anaemia or weight loss warrant testing, particularly if there is a family history of coeliac disease.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a blood test for specific antibodies, followed, if positive, by a gastroscopy with small bowel biopsies. It is essential to continue eating gluten before testing, as stopping beforehand can cause a false negative result, a finding supported by clinical research into coeliac disease diagnosis (PubMed, 2010).
Treatment options
The only current treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the small bowel to heal over time. Dr Kejariwal provides guidance on managing the diet and arranges nutritional and bone health monitoring where needed. See our coeliac disease testing page for how testing works.
Living with coeliac disease in 2026
Coeliac disease affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK, though it remains significantly under-diagnosed because its symptoms can closely resemble those of IBS. Once diagnosed, most people find their symptoms improve within weeks of starting a strict gluten-free diet, with the small bowel typically healing over several months to two years.
Self-care and prevention
Strict, lifelong avoidance of gluten is essential, including careful label-reading and awareness of cross-contamination in shared kitchens. Regular monitoring of iron, calcium and vitamin D levels is also recommended, as absorption can remain affected even after starting a gluten-free diet.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first consultation with Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital typically lasts long enough to cover your full history, current symptoms, and any previous tests or treatment in detail, without feeling rushed. He will explain what he thinks is happening in plain English, talk through the realistic options available, and agree a clear next step with you, whether that is further testing, starting treatment, or simply a period of monitoring. A written summary is sent to you and, where appropriate, your GP after every appointment, so nothing gets lost between visits. Most patients are offered an appointment within one to two weeks of getting in touch, and urgent concerns are prioritised accordingly.
When to see a specialist
See a specialist if you have persistent digestive symptoms, a positive coeliac blood test, or a close relative with confirmed coeliac disease.
Frequently asked questions about coeliac disease
Can coeliac disease develop at any age?
Yes, coeliac disease can be diagnosed at any age, from early childhood through to later adulthood.
Is a gluten-free diet enough to manage coeliac disease?
For most people, a strict gluten-free diet resolves symptoms and allows the bowel to heal, though ongoing monitoring is recommended to check for nutritional deficiencies.
Is coeliac disease the same as a gluten intolerance?
No, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition causing damage to the small bowel, whereas gluten intolerance (non-coeliac gluten sensitivity) causes symptoms without this same immune-driven bowel damage.
Can children have coeliac disease?
Yes, coeliac disease can develop at any age, including in early childhood, and testing and management follow similar principles to adults, guided by a specialist.