When Muskan, a 23-year-old MBA student in Delhi, was 11, doctors identified the source of her long-term stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, rashes and slow growth. A blood test confirmed coeliac disease. Dharit Maniar, a 27-year-old real estate professional in Mumbai, spent six months seeking answers for fatigue, digestive issues and brain fog that began at age 22. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten in wheat, barley and rye. It damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption. The disorder affects roughly one in 100 people globally, with similar rates reported in India, though many cases go undiagnosed due to limited awareness and varied symptoms. Lifelong gluten avoidance is the standard treatment, yet emotional and social effects often receive less notice. Diagnosis brought relief for both individuals after prolonged uncertainty, but it also began a lifetime of strict dietary control. Muskan, who also has fibromyalgia and other conditions, experiences worsened pain, headaches and fatigue after accidental gluten exposure. Everyday activities such as outings, travel and social events demand careful planning to avoid cross-contamination. Dharit recalls an eight-hour concert with no safe food options. Experts note that coeliac disease involves ongoing anxiety, label checking and social limits that affect quality of life even after intestinal healing. Patients frequently contact manufacturers about ingredients and face high costs for safe products. Some report having symptoms dismissed as stress. Psychiatrists observe that initial relief can give way to embarrassment, anxiety and withdrawal linked to constant vigilance around meals.
