New online tool advises on coeliac disease
A free, online self-assessment too has been launched by the Coeliac Society to mark 2017 Coeliac Awareness Week.
When members of the public visit www.isitcoeliacdisease.ie or via the coeliac.ie website, users of the tool will be asked a number of questions relating to their current health.
If they match some of those of coeliac disease, they will be encouraged to seek a medical diagnosis and provided with supporting information they can bring to their GP. The tool has been developed as a result of public misconceptions about coeliac disease.
During Awareness Week, the Coeliac Society will be highlighting the fact that coeliac disease can occur at any stage in life and is a life-long condition. Coeliac disease affects an estimated one in every 100 people in Ireland with over 47,000 Irish people living with the condition.
Coeliac Society of Ireland CEO Fergal O’Sullivan said, “There is huge confusion among the public about the symptoms of coeliac disease, and the seriousness of the medical condition. We’ve developed an online tool to help people who are worried about gluten intolerance or the symptoms of coeliac disease to check their symptoms, before seeking further medical advice.
“As well as launching our new tool during Coeliac Awareness Week, we’ll be holding a range of events nationwide to mark the week, including a campaign aimed at GPs and pharmacists to raise awareness of the symptoms of coeliac disease and a series of in-store events at SuperValu stores around Ireland, including dietetic talks, advice from the Coeliac Society of Ireland and gluten-free food samplings.”
You can find the full list of events taking place on the Coeliac Society website here; EVENTS.
Commenting further, O’Sullivan said: “Coeliac disease can affect anyone at any stage of their life, and once you are diagnosed as coeliac, it’s a life-long condition for which there is no cure. The only treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet, and this Coeliac Awareness Week, we want to highlight the fact that people with coeliac disease are able to live healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
