Feb 8 • 05:00 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

NHS alert as 'tingling' may signal serious condition 500,000 don't know they have

The NHS has issued a warning that tingling sensations, particularly in the hands and feet, may indicate an underlying serious condition such as coeliac disease, affecting many individuals who remain undiagnosed.

The NHS has raised an alarm regarding a common symptom—tingling or numbness in hands and feet—that may typically signify a serious health condition that remains undiagnosed for many people. This warning highlights the importance of not ignoring such sensations and encourages individuals experiencing them to seek medical advice. Positive lifestyle changes like diet alteration and increased exercise should be approached with caution, as reintroducing certain foods could potentially exacerbate underlying conditions without proper medical consultation.

Among the various health issues linked to tingling, coeliac disease stands out. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system negatively reacts to gluten, a protein prevalent in many foods, causing damage to the intestines which leads to a variety of symptoms beyond tingling, including fatigue, bloating, and digestive problems. Early detection and management of coeliac disease through gluten elimination can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected, yet the condition is often misdiagnosed or remains unrecognized entirely.

Statistics from Coeliac UK reveal concerning numbers: an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 individuals are believed to have coeliac disease, yet only a fraction have been diagnosed due to the ambiguous nature of symptoms. The NHS's alert urges the public to be aware of the signs and seek assessments if they experience tingling, as early intervention could prevent more serious health complications down the line.

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