Some 46,000 people are estimated to have coeliac disease in Ireland, however there is a high rate of misdiagnosis among those affected, the Coeliac Society of Ireland has warned.

People with coeliac disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Symptoms can include weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, chronic mouth ulcers, anaemia, a failure to thrive in children and fertility issues.

According to the society's CEO, Grainne Denning, if people think they have the disease or a gluten intolerance, ‘it is absolutely essential that they get a confirmed diagnosis'.

However, she noted that misdiagnoses are common. A survey of the society's members revealed that 42% of those with coeliac disease had been misdiagnosed before receiving a confirmed diagnosis.

Furthermore among those with a confirmed diagnosis, 39% had to wait for over a year for that diagnosis, 12 % had to wait over five years, while 11% were left waiting 10 years or more to be diagnosed.

These figures were highlighted at the launch of Coeliac Awareness Week, which runs until May 15.

According to Ms Denning, increased public awareness of this disease is needed if the high rate of misdiagnosis is to be tackled.

She explained that the only treatment for coeliac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet.

"While some people choose to eat gluten-free simply because they think it's a healthier lifestyle, those with coeliac disease must do so or they will suffer serious health consequences and severe pain. This does not mean, however, that those with coeliac disease have to miss out on tasty food," she insisted.

She noted that one of the aims of Coeliac Awareness Week is to show those affected that eating gluten-free foods ‘does not need to be restrictive'.

"We're inviting those with coeliac disease to come along to our events to meet the wider gluten-free community, learn some new recipes, and enjoy healthy walks and delicious food. We're also encouraging anyone who thinks they may be affected to contact their GP," Ms Denning said.

For more information on coeliac disease and events taking place as part of Coeliac Awareness Week, click here