Any person who suspects they may have coeliac disease should consult their GP before starting a gluten-free diet, the Coeliac Society of Ireland has said.

This week is Coeliac Awareness Week and according to the society, there continues to be a lot of confusion about this condition here.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease which is triggered when the body takes in gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. People with coeliac disease are unable to digest this protein and consumption can lead to a range of symptoms including weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Around 47,500 people in Ireland are affected and the only treatment for them is to follow a gluten-free diet, however, in recent years, an increasing number of people without coeliac disease are opting to follow this diet in the belief that it may benefit their health.

"In recent weeks there has been a huge amount of confusion among the public about coeliac disease, what its symptoms are, and how to treat it. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease, which have many symptoms, including subtle ones such as chronic tiredness and skin problems. The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet," explained Coeliac Society CEO, Fergal O'Sullivan.

As part of this year's awareness week, the society has launched a free online self-assessment tool. Users will be asked a number of questions about their health and if some of their symptoms match some of those related to coeliac disease, they will be encouraged to go their doctor for a medical diagnosis. They will also be provided with supporting information to bring with them.

"Our new self-assessment tool will allow anyone to quickly check their symptoms to see if they are similar to those of people with coeliac disease. However, we cannot overstate how important it is for anyone who suspects they may have coeliac disease to make an appointment with their GP for an official diagnosis," Mr O'Sullivan commented.

Meanwhile, as part of Coeliac Awareness Week, the society is calling on supermarkets to commit to stocking eight gluten-free staples in stores. SuperValu has already signed up to the initiative and the society is calling on other supermarkets to follow suit.

To use the self-assessment tool, click here

For more information on coeliac disease and the events taking place during the awareness week, click here