What is coeliac disease? Dr Amir Khan explains the symptoms and signs

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]Hi, I'm Dr. Amir Khan. Did you know that it's celiac awareness month this May?

[00:00:05]One in a hundred people in the UK have celiac disease, but most aren't diagnosed. Now, celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

[00:00:20]When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small bowel, specifically the villi. These are tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. This damage causes the villi to become flattened, reducing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. As a result, people with celiac disease can become deficient in key vitamins and minerals. Symptoms include recurrent or persistent or unexplained fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, anemia, and neurological issues.

[00:00:56]In children, it can lead to a collection of symptoms called failing to thrive.

[00:01:01]I'll be supporting Celiac UK this month and encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to take the free online self assessment at visit celiacdiseease.org.uk.