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Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease affects around 1% of the UK population, but only 40% are diagnosed, leaving many with ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. At Haven Medical, consultant gastroenterologists provide expert diagnosis, personalised treatment, and support to manage coeliac disease and help you regain quality of life.

Coeliac Disease, Diagnosis and Treatment

Our private gastroenterologists deliver expert, individualised care for coeliac disease and a broad range of associated digestive conditions. Using advanced diagnostic approaches such as comprehensive blood testing, gastroscopy, and intestinal biopsy, we focus on confirming your diagnosis and identifying the extent of any damage. This precise, evidence-led approach enables our consultants to develop clear, targeted management plans tailored to your needs, supporting long-term gut healing and lasting symptom relief.

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It is triggered by gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley and rye — even if consumed in very small amounts. This immune response damages the lining of the small intestine, impairing the absorption of essential nutrients and potentially leading to a range of symptoms and complications if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease can present with a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, and persistent nausea or vomiting. The condition causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed, leading to poor absorption of essential nutrients. As a result, individuals may experience complications such as extreme fatigue, unintended weight loss, iron or vitamin deficiencies, and, in some cases, an itchy, blistering skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis).

What causes coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When gluten is consumed, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage. This leads to villous atrophy (flattening of the intestinal lining), reducing the surface area available for nutrient absorption — a key function of the small intestine.

  • Genetic predisposition: Coeliac disease runs in families. First-degree relatives (such as parents, siblings or children) have a significantly higher risk of developing the condition.
  • Environmental factors: While genetics play a central role, environmental triggers such as infections and changes in the gut microbiome are thought to contribute to disease onset.
  • Associated conditions: Coeliac disease is more common in people with other autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease.
How do you test for coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is usually diagnosed using a combination of blood tests and a gastroscopy. Specific blood tests are typically the first step. These check for antibodies linked to coeliac disease. A gastroscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy) may be recommended. This involves passing a thin, flexible fibre-optic camera through the mouth or nose (transnasal gastroscopy) and into the small intestine. During the procedure, biopsies may be taken from the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) to assess for changes to the intestine wall structures.

How is coeliac disease treated?

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue when gluten is ingested. To manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications, following a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only clinically proven treatment.
While most patients experience relief within weeks of cutting out all gluten, total mucosal healing can take months or even years. Ongoing clinical care may involve:

  • Annual blood tests
  • Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies
Allergy Testing at Haven Medical

We offer a comprehensive range of allergy tests, from the ALEX3 (over 300 allergens) to specific food panels. Knowing if you are allergic to something can be hugely helpful to those who experience gastrointestinal distress or those who are on a restricted diet to help them manage their symptoms.

Private Gastroenterology Pricing

Transparent, competitive pricing for private gastroenterology care with no hidden costs. All consultations include a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan. Additional tests and procedures are discussed and agreed before proceeding.

Initial Consultation

With Consultant Gastroenterologist

£250

Follow-up consultation

With Consultant Gastroenterologist

£200

Transnasal Gastroscopy

£1,500

Initial Consultation

With Consultant Gastroenterologist

£250

Follow-up consultation

With Consultant Gastroenterologist

£200

Transnasal Gastroscopy

£1,500

Have Private Health Insurance?

We are able to accept patients who are insured by AXA, WPA, Vitality and BUPA. Insurance policies vary so it is worth checking with your insurer as to what they will cover.

Meet Our Gastroenterology Specialists

 

Discover Our Full Range

At Haven Medical, we offer a comprehensive range of private medical services across multiple specialities — all under one trusted roof. From diagnostics and consultations to specialist treatments and wellness programmes, our expert team is here to support every aspect of your health and wellbeing.

Coeliac FAQs

Do I have coeliac disease?

Determining if you have coeliac disease requires a gastroenterologist to examine you, run tests and take a detailed history of you and your immediate family’s health. Many of the symptoms of coeliac disease overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, such as IBS or IBD, so an accurate diagnosis is key to ensuring that the right changes can be made – such as eliminating all traces of gluten from your diet.

Can you have coeliac disease without symptoms?

‘Silent’ or asymptomatic coeliac disease is possible, where there are no outward symptoms (such as bloating, nausea or diarrhoea). It is thought around 20% of people with coeliac disease are asymptomatic. However, internally, the ingested gluten still triggers an immune response that can cause significant damage to the small intestine. Often people find out they have coeliac disease when they are screened for other related conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease and unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia.

If you have members of your close family who are coeliac, it is advisable to get screened.

Is coeliac disease genetic?

There are some strong genetic components to coeliac disease – in the UK 99% of people diagnosed with coeliac disease carry at least one genetic marker. However, carrying the gene does not mean you will develop the disease – around 40% of the population carry these genes.

What are the early signs of coeliac disease?

Recognising the early signs of coeliac disease is crucial for a timely diagnosis. Symptoms often vary significantly between individuals, but the most common early indicators are persistent gastrointestinal distress which might mean frequent bloating, abdominal pain, and bouts of diarrhoea or constipation after consuming gluten. Fatigue, rashes and unexpected weight loss are common symptoms for people with coeliac disease.

The average person with coeliac disease takes 13 years to receive their diagnosis, often because the symptoms are shared with conditions such as IBS or IBD.

Is there a cure for coeliac disease?

There is no ‘cure’ for the disease, but eliminating all traces of gluten from your diet (even trace amounts, such as using a toaster which has had wheat bread in it) will lead to ‘clinical remission’. Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, so whilst the symptoms can disappear and the gut will begin to heal itself, the underlying issue will remain.

Are there long term implications of being coeliac?

Yes. Left untreated, coeliac disease can have significant long term health risks. The persistent inflammation and malabsorption of nutrients can result in secondary complications, such as osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anaemia, difficulties getting pregnant and even neurological symptoms, such as neuropathy.

General FAQs

General information about Haven Medical and our services.

Appointments at Haven Medical

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

Further Treatment

Yes. Our doctors can refer patients directly into NHS pathways when appropriate, including urgent fast-track and two-week-wait referrals. If you need to have ongoing medication or other tests, and would like these carried out by the NHS, we can write to your GP to request this. Please note, there is no guarantee they will agree to ongoing treatment on the NHS.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

About Haven Medical

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

We normally have appointments available within a week or so. You can book directly, using the booking link, to have a consultation and for many of our blood panels. If you do not see the availability you need or have any questions,  please contact us on 01202 110303 or send an enquiry form and we will be delighted to help. GP appointments are available same or next day – 5 days a week, face to face or remotely.

What Our Patients Say

Book an appointment

Book your appointment with ease, via the online booking form below, via phone or send an enquiry and one of the team will be delighted to help.

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Have more questions?

Feel free to reach out through our Enquiry form for any questions you may have or if you need assistance with scheduling alternatives.

Call us

Please call on 01202 110303
Available Mon-Fri, 8.30am to 6.00pm

Enquiry form

Finding Us

Haven Medical’s practice is conveniently located in Canfords Cliffs (just between Bournemouth and Poole) in Dorset.

Our location

15 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, BH13 7LE

Opening hours

Mon-Fri: 08:30 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00

Open for specialist consultations. Subject to availability.

Why choose Haven Medical

We believe in building lasting relationships with our patients through unhurried consultations and expert care you can depend on. Our experienced gastroenterology team is here when you need us, genuinely invested in your digestive health and wellbeing.

Our Values

Convenience

Timely Access

Expert

Expect better

Dependable

Always there for you

Safe

Membership Plans

CONTACT US

Thank you for your enquiry. We will get back to you as soon as possible, but please do call 01202 110303 if you have questions or would like to talk to one of our reception team