Doctors ‘must test for coeliac disease more frequently’

Doctors have been called upon to be more aware of coeliac disease in order to prevent the condition from being misdiagnosed.

Professor David Sanders, chairman of the small bowel and nutrition section of the British Society of Gastroenterology, has raised concerns over the frequency with which the common ailment is mistaken for other gastrointestinal problems.

The comments come in response to a recent study by Coeliac UK which shows that 60 per cent of coeliac disease sufferers have previously been incorrectly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.

Professor Sanders explained this is because the obvious symptoms of the condition, which is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, are similar to those of many other illnesses.

He also underlined the importance of testing for the condition more often, citing the increase in complex cases, as well as the fact that coeliac disease can damage the lining of the small intestine.

“Greater awareness of both how common the disease is and the most susceptible patient groups is required,” he said.