'Everyone thinks it’s just a fashion trend or a fad' - Preston Coeliac UK member discusses cross-contamination and embarrassing symptoms

Being diagnosed with coeliac disease has improved over the past few decades, but there’s still a long way to go. Molly Court talks to Megan Haigh, a member of Preston’s Coeliac UK group about her diagnosis and cross-contamination.

Anaemia, childhood bowel troubles and a week long hospital stay because of cross-contamination are just some of Megan Haigh’s struggles having been diagnosed with coeliac disease three years ago.

Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your small intestine so you are unable to take in nutrients.

It’s caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is a dietary protein found in barely, wheat and rye.

Megan, 24, from Walton-le-Dale, said: “My symptoms were predominantly diarrhoea and I was anaemic. I felt very dizzy, very brain foggy and couldn’t really think straight. I was tired and lethargic all the time as well.

“I’ve always been a sickly child to be honest. My biggest thing is my weight which I really struggle to gain and keep.

“I’ve always been a tiny kid, always had bowel troubles and always sick.