A. Coeliac disease is a lifelong intolerance to gluten, which affects the lining of the bowel. Gluten is the protein in wheat; the main source of gluten in the diet is wheat flour, which is used in the manufacture of many foods including bread, cakes and biscuits. Other possible sources of gluten are sauces, sausages, ready meals and confectionery. Eating foods containing gluten has a damaging effect on the bowel for someone who has coeliac disease.

A. There are approximately 125,000 people known to have the condition, and the numbers are increasing. On average, over 7000 people are diagnosed with coeliac disease in the UK each year (based on Coeliac UK membership statistics 2001). Experts researching the condition believe that the condition may affect as many as one person in every 100.

A. Symptoms can vary dramatically from person to person. There are a number of symptoms including anaemia, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue. Other signs may be infertility, unexplained abdominal pain, and generally feeling unwell. These symptoms can occur separately or together and can be mild or severe. Occasionally, the stress of an operation, accident, intestinal infection, or pregnancy can trigger the onset of the condition. (The symptoms described can be characteristic of other medical conditions; therefore, a gluten-free diet should not be adopted without first seeking proper medical advice). Many people visiting their GP with unexplained symptoms may initially be diagnosed with 'irritable bowel syndrome' before further investigations reveal they have the coeliac condition.

A. Coeliac disease was once considered a rare condition of childhood. Doctors are now seeing the condition in both children and adults. Coeliac disease in adults is commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 45. However, more and more people are being diagnosed later in life.

A. Recent research has established that there is a genetic link to coeliac disease. One in ten relatives of a person diagnosed with coeliac disease may also be affected, so family screening is recommended.

A. At present, the only way of confirming coeliac disease is by an endoscopy. Blood tests are available to help GPs screen for coeliac disease. If positive, a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy is made. This procedure normally takes place in an outpatient clinic under mild sedation. A section of the lining of the bowel is taken and the villi examined under a microscope.

A. There is no miracle cure for the condition; the treatment is a gluten-free diet for life. It is still not clear how gluten damages the bowel; however, experts agree that once a gluten-free diet is followed, the damage is repaired and the symptoms disappear. Although the benefits of the diet can be felt immediately, it can take many months before the bowel completely recovers.