Could you be living with coeliac disease? Here are the signs to look out for

One In 100 people is affected by coeliac disease in Ireland, but it is often mistaken for other conditions

While there is no cure for coeliac disease, once it’s identified, it can be effectively managed through a strict gluten-free diet. Picture: iStock

Gut symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating are what most people will think of when they hear coeliac disease, but that’s not the whole story. A hyper focus on these symptoms means many people remain undiagnosed — in Ireland, it’s estimated to be 78,000 people.

Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system reacts to gluten. That reaction damages the lining of the intestine, preventing the body from absorbing important nutrients.