Coeliac disease Perth
Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance: What you need to know
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Murdoch WA 6150
If you’ve ever felt bloated, exhausted, or just ‘off’ after eating bread or pasta, you might have wondered if gluten is the problem. For some people, avoiding gluten is just a personal choice, but for others, it’s a medical necessity. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten causes real damage to the gut, while gluten intolerance (also called non-coeliac gluten sensitivity) can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms without the same immune response.
Coeliac disease Perth
What is coeliac disease and how does it affect the body?
Coeliac disease is not just an upset stomach from eating bread—it’s a serious immune condition where gluten triggers an attack on the small intestine. This repeated attack damages the gut lining, stopping it from absorbing important nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins. Left untreated, it can lead to anaemia, osteoporosis, infertility, and even an increased risk of bowel cancer.
Then there’s gluten intolerance, which is different. It doesn’t cause the same long-term damage, but it can still leave people feeling bloated, nauseous, foggy-headed, or just ‘off’ after eating gluten. It’s frustrating, uncomfortable, and can make social eating a challenge, but it doesn’t trigger the same immune response as coeliac disease.
Symptoms: More than just an upset stomach
Coeliac disease doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people have obvious gut symptoms, while others don’t realise anything is wrong until they’re diagnosed with low iron or osteoporosis.
Common signs of coeliac disease include:
- Ongoing bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies
- Mouth ulcers and frequent canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
- Joint pain or unexplained muscle aches
- Skin rash (called dermatitis herpetiformis)
Gluten intolerance symptoms tend to be more about digestive discomfort—bloating, stomach pain, nausea, or headaches after eating gluten—but without the long-term damage.
Testing: Why you shouldn’t just ‘try going gluten-free’
It’s tempting to cut out gluten if you think it’s the problem, but don’t do this before getting tested. If you stop eating gluten before a test, your results may come back normal even if you have coeliac disease.
“The first step is a blood test to check for coeliac antibodies. If this is positive, the next step is a gastroscopy with a biopsy—a quick procedure where a small camera is passed into the gut to check for damage. This is the only way to confirm coeliac disease.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Murdoch
Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, has no official test. It’s diagnosed by ruling out coeliac disease and other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or wheat allergy.
Living with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance
Once diagnosed, coeliac disease requires a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet. Even a tiny amount—like a crumb from a shared toaster—can trigger gut damage. It’s not just about avoiding bread and pasta; gluten is hidden in sauces, soups, and even some medications.
For gluten intolerance, the approach is different. Some people can handle small amounts without issues, while others feel best avoiding it altogether.
Ongoing support with our coeliac disease dietitian
After diagnosis, managing a strict gluten-free diet is essential, but it’s not always straightforward. That’s why our team at Westside Gastroenterology includes a specialist dietitian, who can provide ongoing support and management.
A coeliac disease dietitian can help with:
- Understanding food labels – Gluten hides in unexpected places, including sauces, seasonings, and even some medications.
- Nutritional balance – After cutting out gluten, it’s important to make sure your diet is still rich in iron, calcium, fibre, and B vitamins.
- Meal planning and gluten-free alternatives – Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out, a dietitian can provide practical guidance.
- Symptom management – Some people continue to experience bloating or discomfort even after removing gluten. A dietitian can help identify other food triggers or adjust your diet to support gut healing.
- Long-term health support – Coeliac disease can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies and osteoporosis. Working with a coeliac disease dietitian ensures you’re getting the right nutrition for strong bones and overall health.
If you’ve been diagnosed with coeliac disease, we can refer you to our in-house dietitian for ongoing support. A dietitian’s guidance can make the transition easier, safer, and more sustainable, helping you feel confident in managing your diet long-term.
Gluten-free eating in Perth: Finding safe options
Eating out can be one of the biggest challenges after diagnosis. While more restaurants now offer gluten-free options, not all are safe for people with coeliac disease due to cross-contamination risks.
If you need to find coeliac-friendly places to eat, the best approach is to search online for terms like:
- “Gluten-free restaurants Perth”
- “Coeliac-friendly restaurants Perth”
Look for places that understand cross-contamination risks and take proper precautions. Some restaurants offer ‘gluten-free’ options but prepare food in the same space as gluten-containing ingredients, which isn’t safe for coeliacs.
Coeliac support groups in Perth
A coeliac disease diagnosis doesn’t just change what’s on your plate—it can affect your social life, mental health, and daily routine. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
There are local support groups and resources in Perth that can help, including:
- Coeliac Australia (WA branch) – Great for medical information, events, and community support.
- Facebook groups where people share restaurant tips, recipes, and advice on living life gluten-free.
Connecting with others who get it makes a huge difference.
Coeliac disease at Westside Gastroenterology
Take-away message
Coeliac disease isn’t just about avoiding bread—it can affect everything from energy levels to bone health. The biggest challenge is often social: feeling like the ‘fussy eater’ at restaurants, worrying about hidden gluten at family BBQs, or dealing with people who think avoiding gluten is just a trend.
For some, there’s a huge emotional impact. Accidental gluten exposure can mean days of pain, exhaustion, and anxiety about long-term damage. It is why support networks are so important.
The good news? With the right knowledge and support, you can live a normal, healthy life. There are now more gluten-free options than ever. Many people report feeling better on a gluten-free diet, but the response varies. Managing coeliac disease effectively requires medical advice and careful dietary choices.
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Murdoch
At Westside Gastroenterology in Murdoch, Perth, we can help diagnose and manage coeliac disease and gluten intolerance, making sure you get the right advice for your gut health. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms and would like further assessment, speak with your GP or book an appointment with one of our Perth gastroenterologists.
