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78,000 children and adults in Ireland remaining undiagnosed
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24% of individuals with lactose intolerance may also have coeliac disease.
This May, the Coeliac Society of Ireland is launching its annual Coeliac Awareness Month to shed light on the often misunderstood autoimmune disease, coeliac disease. With a staggering 78,000 children and adults in Ireland remaining undiagnosed, the Society aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1.7% of the population. Despite its prevalence, it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to severe complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Throughout the month of May, the Coeliac Society of Ireland will focus on various aspects of coeliac disease, aiming to educate the public and healthcare professionals alike. Each week will highlight a different theme:
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Week 1: Getting your children diagnosed with coeliac disease. GP focus and awareness. Psychological impact.
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Week 2: Fertility & Coeliac Disease.
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Week 3: Is it Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Coeliac Disease/Gut Health.
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Week 4: Bone Health – osteoporosis or osteopenia in addition to coeliac disease.
Sarah Keogh, Nutritionist, and Dietitian, Coeliac Society of Ireland, emphasises the importance of getting a diagnosis, stating, “This year, we want to make sure we highlight that this is a very serious autoimmune disease. Although symptoms can range from mild to severe, if left untreated, we know this can lead to serious complications. We encourage anyone who wishes to find out more about the disease or who wishes to participate in the events throughout the country to visit www.coeliac.ie for more information.
“Some people are unaware they are coeliac so it’s crucial to recognise that some health issues could be hiding the root cause and by requesting a simple blood test from your doctor might provide the answer one way or the other. For example, studies show that 24% of individuals with lactose intolerance may also have coeliac disease. Additionally, up to 40% of those with repeated low iron levels may need to be tested for coeliac disease. So, the clear message is – get tested.”
The Society is proud to have Promise Gluten Free as a sponsor for Coeliac Awareness Month. Theo Gibbons, Marketing Lead at Promise Gluten Free, expressed their dedication to the cause, saying, “As the leading provider of gluten-free baked goods in Ireland, Promise Gluten Free is honoured to champion the cause of raising awareness about diagnosis. We are dedicated to empowering individuals with gluten sensitivities by offering an extensive range of high-quality gluten-free products. The advancements in gluten-free options reflect our commitment to making gluten-free living not only manageable but also enjoyable, providing individuals with more choices and better accessibility than ever before.”
In addition to raising awareness, the Coeliac Society of Ireland is urging individuals who suspect they may have coeliac disease to seek testing. Symptoms include abdominal pain, recurring mouth ulcers, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Early diagnosis is key to managing the condition and preventing further complications.
Additional Information:
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Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where the affected individual reacts abnormally when gluten is ingested.
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Coeliac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1.7 of the population.
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78,115 undiagnosed
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According to the research, only 28.8% of first-degree relatives of sufferers have been tested for coeliac disease, and 9.3% of those tested were diagnosed with the condition. Children were the most likely group of first-degree relatives to be tested and/or diagnosed compared to other relatives, such as siblings and parents. There is no cure for coeliac disease, and the only treatment is a gluten-free diet.
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Symptoms of coeliac disease include abdominal pain, recurring mouth ulcers, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
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The first step to receiving a diagnosis is to visit a GP for a simple blood test.
COELIAC AWARENESS Month 2024 When: Throughout May 2024
How to Attend: Register for events at https://coeliac.ie/awareness-