Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease
New research has found that there may be 78,000 people with undiagnosed coeliac disease in Ireland.
According to the report from the Coeliac Society of Ireland, many people with coeliac disease are often misdiagnosed with IBS.
The team said knowing the symptoms can help people seek the right medical support.
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a condition in which the body’s immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causing damage to the lining of the intestine, preventing the body from absorbing important nutrients.
As a result, people with coeliac disease have to avoid foods with gluten.
The symptoms
Symptoms include constant mouth ulcers, crippling fatigue, stomach pain, regular bouts of diarrhoea, anaemia and weight loss.
Other symptoms include an itchy rash, problems getting pregnant, nerve damage, and disorders that affect coordination, balance, and speech.
While there is no cure, it can be treated by following a strict gluten-free diet.
If left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The Coeliac Society of Ireland is urging people to get tested if they suspect they’re coeliac.
They’re urging those who suspect they may be coeliac to take the first step to receiving a diagnosis by visiting a GP to arrange a blood-based genetic test.
May is Coeliac Awareness Month.
