NHS warns unusual sign of coeliac disease could appear in hands and fe

The NHS has issued guidance, noting that tingling or numbness, especially in the hands and feet, could signal the health condition. Even if symptoms improve with lifestyle changes, such as a better diet or exercise routine, it’s crucial to consult a GP before making additional switches.

According to NHS Inform, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks gluten, something that is found in many everyday foods and beverages. This immune response damages the intestinal lining and can trigger various symptoms.

Tingling and numbness can be two indicators, and if accompanied by exhaustion, abdominal bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues, you may want to book an appointment with your GP.

Gluten is a protein naturally occurring in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s vital to monitor symptoms like tingling and observe whether they intensify following consumption of gluten-containing products.

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?

Many sufferers report experiencing flare-ups, periods when symptoms intensify. The condition can manifest through a range of symptoms, impacting not just the digestive tract, but various other parts of the body too.

The condition can appear at any age, though diagnosis typically happens between 40 and 60 years of age. The condition affects people differently, with symptoms varying from mild to severe, and some people may experience no noticeable signs at all.

Some common symptoms of coeliac disease include:

Crucially, it’s vital not to eliminate gluten from your diet before undergoing testing, as doing so can compromise the accuracy of diagnostic results. Coeliac UK provides an online assessment tool that can help determine whether you might have this widespread condition. You can also take Coeliac UK’s online assessment here.

If you’ve got any of these symptoms, the NHS suggest that you speak to your GP. “You must continue eating gluten as part of your diet until you’ve been diagnosed”, it stresses.