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Coeliac Disease & Gluten Intolerance Treatment in Johor Bahru

Penyakit Seliak & Intoleransi Gluten

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten — a protein in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining, causing malabsorption of nutrients. While less common in Malay and Chinese Malaysians than in Western populations, it does occur and is frequently missed. Symptoms are diverse and can include diarrhoea, bloating, anaemia, fatigue, and osteoporosis. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is more prevalent and causes similar digestive symptoms without intestinal damage. A strict gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of treatment.

📞 Call +60 7-251 1162 / +60 7-252 1162💬 WhatsApp +60 17-500 7205📅 Book Appointment

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease & Gluten Intolerance

✓Chronic diarrhoea or loose stools
✓Bloating, wind, and abdominal cramping
✓Fatigue and iron deficiency anaemia
✓Unintentional weight loss
✓Mouth ulcers and skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
✓Osteoporosis and bone pain in long-standing disease

⚠️ When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you have persistent diarrhoea, bloating, and fatigue — especially if associated with anaemia or weight loss. Coeliac disease should be considered in anyone with unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis at a young age, or multiple bowel symptoms not explained by IBS. Blood tests for coeliac antibodies are the first step.

Treatment at Klinik Muhibbah

Klinik Muhibbah can arrange initial coeliac antibody screening (tissue transglutaminase IgA). Positive results are referred to a gastroenterologist for confirmatory duodenal biopsy. Management centres on a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, nutritional supplementation (iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium), and monitoring for complications. We also provide dietary counselling on identifying hidden gluten in Malaysian foods.

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Prabagaran Kanapathy
M.D(UNPAD) OHD(NIOSH) | MMC 63651
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Kirubah Sai Patnaik
MMC 93850

Prevention Tips

1There is no way to prevent coeliac disease — it is genetic
2Strict lifelong gluten-free diet prevents complications including intestinal lymphoma and osteoporosis
3Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to protect bones
4Be aware of cross-contamination risks — even small amounts of gluten cause immune activation
5Screen first-degree relatives of coeliac patients as they have a 10-15% chance of also having coeliac disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be tested for coeliac disease at Klinik Muhibbah?▼
Yes, Klinik Muhibbah can arrange coeliac antibody blood tests (anti-tTG IgA) as a first-line screen. If positive, we will refer you to a gastroenterologist for confirmatory biopsy. Walk-ins welcome — call +60 7-251 1162 or book at movo-x.com/kiosk/muhibbah.
Is gluten sensitivity the same as coeliac disease?▼
No. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition with measurable intestinal damage and specific antibodies. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) causes similar digestive symptoms without autoimmune damage or positive antibodies. Both improve on a gluten-free diet, but the strict avoidance required is greater in coeliac disease due to the risk of complications.
What Malaysian foods contain gluten?▼
Many common Malaysian foods contain gluten: mee (wheat noodles), char kway teow (soy sauce contains wheat), roti canai, bread, biscuits, and many sauces including soy sauce and oyster sauce. Rice, rice noodles (bihun), tapioca, and corn are naturally gluten-free. Our doctors provide dietary counselling to identify safe foods in the Malaysian context.

Get Coeliac Disease & Gluten Intolerance Treatment Today

No. 62, Jalan Kiambang, Taman Bunga Raya, 81700 Masai, Johor

Mon–Thu & Sat: 9AM–9PM | Fri: 9AM–3PM | Sun: 9AM–1PM | Walk-ins Welcome

📞 Call +60 7-251 1162 / +60 7-252 1162💬 WhatsApp +60 17-500 7205📅 Book at MOVO-X