Coeliac Awareness Week in Omagh

by Gráinne Connolly

This week marks Coeliac Awareness weeK (8th May -14th May).

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease with symptoms triggered by gluten, which is a substance found in barley, rye and wheat.

When people with coeliac disease eat something with gluten, they're bodies react and it damages the small intestine and in some cases other parts of the body. 

Symptoms can vary both in type and the severity in different people. 

In some serious cases, women have experienced infertility and repeated miscarriages. 

The disease can often be mistreated or be diagnosed wrong as the symptoms are similar to that of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and wheat intolerance. 

It's crucial to get a confirmed diagnosis so new dietary measures can be taken, excluding gluten. 

Shops and restaurants/cafes in Omagh and the surrounding areas have been promoting their gluten free options in aid of Coeliac Awareness Week: 

Possible symptoms of Coeliac Disease include: 

• severe or occasional diarrhoea, excessive wind and/or constipation
• persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting
• recurrent stomach pain, cramping or bloating
• any combination of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
• anaemia
• tiredness
• sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases)
• mouth ulcers
• hair loss (alopecia)
• skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• tooth enamel problems
• depression
• liver abnormalities
• repeated miscarriages
• neurological (nerve) problems such as ataxia (loss of coordination, poor balance) and peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)

More information is on the Coeliac UK website: 

https://www.coeliac.org.uk/home/