Treatment After Diagnosis
As soon as you start your gluten-free diet, you should begin to feel better very quickly although your gut may take a while to fully recover. However, coeliac disease is a life-long condition; you will not grow out of it. A gluten-free diet for life is the primary treatment and there is no cure at present.
Other Treatments Include
- Treatment of the small intestine with corticosteroids temporarily if the inflammation is severe.
- Taking dietary supplements if nutritional deficiencies are found. However once the small intestine heals, there should be no need for dietary supplements if your diet is well-balanced and nourishing. You should consult a dietitian to help you get started on a nutritious gluten-free diet.
Eating
The Coeliac Society is here to help you stick to your gluten-free diet. There are plenty of foods that are naturally gluten-free. Also, the range of specialised gluten-free products is growing all the time.
There’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy eating out on a gluten-free diet.
The Society keeps a list of places where members have enjoyed their experience called the ‘Coeliac Friendly Restaurant List’ which is available to members.
Bear in mind that these restaurants have not been vetted by the Coeliac Society of Ireland and no responsibility can be assumed by the society for dishes incorrectly served as gluten-free.
Learn how to explain your needs when you eat out.
Even if the restaurant appears to be catering well to the gluten-free diet always ask the serving staff to inform the kitchen and double-check with them about your food.
Fast Food
Gluten-free products available from some of the fast food outlets in Ireland are listed in the Food List.
Remember that food outlets are businesses and will only provide gluten-free options as long as customers choose them. Encourage your friends and family to order the gluten-free options too.
Recovery
Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks of starting a gluten-free diet. However blood test results and biopsy may not return to normal for one or two years. Children usually recover faster than adults.
Follow Up
Initially, you should follow up with your doctor every 6 months. Your doctor will repeat the blood tests to ensure that the gluten-free diet has been effective. After your antibodies have returned to normal, a further biopsy can be carried out to check that the small intestine has healed.
If your blood test and/or biopsy results show that you are responding well to the gluten-free diet it is important to stick to it. If you eat gluten your small intestine will become damaged again and your symptoms will return.
Support with the gluten-free diet is essential. It is important that the gluten-free diet is healthy, balanced and nutritionally adequate. A properly qualified dietitian can advise you on how best to achieve this. Find a dietitian who’s a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI).
