Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. When a person consumes gluten, the lining of their small intestine is damaged. Symptoms can be mild or severe.
The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free products are more expensive in stores than regular products.
The biggest difference is in bread. Gluten-free bread is 6.3 times more expensive than regular bread. Flour is 5.1 times more expensive.
In Estonia, there is no support for celiac patients. In some European countries, however, assistance is available. For example, in Finland, celiac patients receive support.
The Ministry of Social Affairs says they are open to discussions. However, the Health Insurance Fund does not cover food costs.
The Celiac Society is conducting studies to find out how expensive the food basket is for celiac patients. They want to speak with the government again when the data is ready.
Celiac disease is often underdiagnosed. People visit doctors for years with symptoms, but they are not given the correct diagnosis.