Coeliac Disease Assessment in Oxford, Banbury & Aylesbury

Specialist Diagnosis & Long-Term Management of Coeliac Disease

If you are seeking specialist coeliac disease assessment, Dr Udit Mittal provides consultant-led diagnosis and long-term management across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This reaction causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to digestive and non-digestive symptoms.
Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people in the UK, although many remain undiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle or non-specific.
For patients seeking coeliac disease testing in Oxford, Banbury or Aylesbury, early specialist assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate long-term management.

What Causes Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease develops due to a combination of:

• • Genetic susceptibility

• • Exposure to gluten

• • Immune system dysregulation

When a genetically predisposed individual consumes gluten, the immune system attacks the small intestinal lining, particularly the villi responsible for nutrient absorption.
Over time, this can lead to malabsorption, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies and systemic complications.

Signs & Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Digestive Symptoms

• • Persistent bloating and gas

• • Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

• • Abdominal pain

• • Nausea or vomiting

• • Unexplained weight loss

Non-Digestive Symptoms

• • Iron-deficiency anaemia

• • Fatigue

• • Osteopenia or osteoporosis

• • Mouth ulcers

• • Headaches or neurological symptoms

• • Nutritional deficiencies (iron, folate, vitamin D)

• • Reduced fertility

Many adults present with non-gastrointestinal symptoms, which is why coeliac disease is frequently underdiagnosed.

How Is Coeliac Disease Diagnosed?

Step 1: Blood Tests (Serology)

Initial testing measures specific antibodies, including:

• • Tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA)

• • Endomysial antibodies (EMA)

Elevated levels raise strong suspicion of coeliac disease.Important: You must continue eating gluten until testing is complete. Stopping gluten beforehand may result in falsely normal results.

Step 2: Gastroscopy & Duodenal Biopsy

In adults, the gold-standard investigation is gastroscopy with duodenal biopsy. This allows microscopic assessment of the small intestinal lining to confirm characteristic villous damage.
Current NICE and British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend biopsy confirmation in most adult cases.

Treatment of Coeliac Disease

Lifelong Gluten-Free Diet

The only effective treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

• • Avoid wheat, barley and rye

• • Use only certified gluten-free oats

• • Prevent cross-contamination

• • Review processed foods carefully

A gluten-free diet allows intestinal healing and significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Why Specialist Follow-Up Matters

Ongoing monitoring is essential after diagnosis.

Potential Risks Without Treatment

• • Persistent anaemia

• • Osteoporosis

• • Infertility

• • Growth issues (in younger patients)

• • Rare intestinal lymphoma

Regular follow-up ensures:

• • Symptom resolution

• • Correction of nutritional deficiencies

• • Monitoring of bone health

• • Confirmation of dietary adherence

Working with a specialist dietitian improves long-term outcomes.

When to Seek Further Review

If symptoms persist despite a strict gluten-free diet, further evaluation may be required to exclude:

• • Ongoing gluten exposure

• • Refractory coeliac disease (rare)

• • Alternative diagnoses

• • Overlapping IBS or other gastrointestinal conditions

Coeliac Disease – Key Facts

• • Autoimmune condition triggered by gluten

• • Affects approximately 1% of the population

• • Diagnosis requires serology and usually biopsy

• • Strict lifelong gluten-free diet is essential

• • Specialist follow-up improves long-term outcomes

Coeliac Disease Specialist in Oxfordshire

Private consultant-led appointments are available in:

• • Oxford

• • Banbury

• • Aylesbury

Assessment ensures accurate diagnosis, clear guidance and personalised long-term care.

Book a Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of coeliac disease, or have recently received a diagnosis and would like structured management and follow-up, a private consultation can be arranged.Book your consultationView all gastroenterology services

Related Digestive Conditions

• • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

 

• • Bloating

 

• • Diarrhoea

 

• • Abdominal Pain

 

• • Weight Loss: Digestive Causes

 

• • Constipation

 

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Screening

Medical Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Testing and management decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.