Gluten Intolerence (Coeliac/Celiac) and Vitiliago

[asinhal]

              I am 54 years of age and I have had Vitiliago since 1997. I also had stomach problems most my adult life. For many years this was diagnosed as acid reflux and treated with acid suppressant medication.
 
Diagnoses for Gluten intolerance (Coeliac or Celiac disease) was confirmed for my brother which lead me to have the test done. Gluten intolerance is an auto immune disorder that damages the small intestine which can lead to many other health problems (see www.coeliac.org.uk and www.celiac.com).
 
I am trying to understand Gluten intolerance and Vitliago, also if there is link between the two. Is there anybody aware of a link or have both autoimmune conditions?
   

[Andy]

This is interesting, I've been having stomach issues for 6 months now and wondered if there was a connection to the auto immune system and Vitiligo. My GP diagnosed me with IBS 6 months ago, although this seems to be the standard diagnosis for most long term gut/stomach complaints. I first had pains, like trapped wind, in my bowels starting a couple of years ago but the pain would last a good 12 hours at a stretch, although it only happened 1 or twice a month. Recently though after taking Colofac for 2 months that pain has gone but now I seem to have high acid output in my stomach which is making me feel sick all the time. A barium enema revealed no abnormalities in the bowel and numerous blood tests have been normal. I'm going in for a Gastroenterology exam soon to have a look in my stomach. I believe there is some connection but I'm going to have to do the NHS run around for a year or so I reckon until they come to that conclusion.

[asinhal]

Andy,

           There is blood test for Coeliac disease (CD)  which does not always give positive results for CD sufferers. Test that  conclusively diagnose CD is examination of small intestine specimen under  microscope. This specimen is obtained during gastroscopy. Do make sure you have  the blood test and the small intestine specimen checked for CD during your  consultation.   

           Coeliac UK (support group) spokesperson has  said 1% of the population suffer from CD but only 0.5% of the population are  diagnosed and some patients are misdiagnosed with IBS. I have had acid reflux for  a long time. Symptoms and other conditions developed by CD sufferers are quite  varied. This maybe the reason why CD is not diagnosed for so many people. That  is the reason I posted a question about a link between Vitiligo and CD. CD is  an autoimmune disorder just like Vitiligo.

            If CD tests for you are positive then further  blood tests will be carried and an appointment with nutritionist will be made.  Living on gluten free food will seem difficult at first but there are many foods available. I suggest you visit the two websites I mentioned in  previous posting.

            I developed Vitiligo on the  upper lip, armpits and hips. Is that the case for you?