<qa>  What is the most common chronic inflammatory bowel condition encountered by physicians?Coeliac disease is the most common chronic inflammatory bowel condition encountered by physicians. Internationally the prevalence estimated by serological screening in healthy volunteers is between 0.5-1.0. Historically, patients with adult coeliac disease complained of symptoms suggestive of mal-absorption, diarrhoea, weight loss or anaemia. This manner of presentation is now described as the classical typical form. Failure to recognise this disease may be due to the insidious nature of its presentation. Individuals with undiagnosed coeliac disease may have numerous hospital attendances, prior to diagnosis. 