Coeliac Australia is launching its Think Outside the Gut campaign this week, Coeliac Awareness Week, 13 to 20 March.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about coeliac disease and encourage individuals with potential symptoms to seek testing and diagnosis.
Coeliac Australia is highlighting the initiative to general practices in anticipation of an increased demand for coeliac disease testing across GP clinics.
About coeliac disease:
Although coeliac disease is often considered a digestive issue, the reality is it can present with a large variety of different symptoms; some obvious, some more subtle.
Coeliac Australia recently conducted a survey with its members to uncover the range of symptoms leading to a coeliac disease diagnosis.
The survey highlighted 66 per cent of diagnoses were attributed to symptoms not related to the gut.
Specifically, 31 per cent of participants received their diagnosis following abnormal blood tests which indicated nutrient deficiencies or issues with liver enzymes, while 11 per cent identified chronic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes as key factors leading to their diagnosis.
The campaign:
Coeliac Australia is encouraging GP clinics to be prepared for the potential increase in demand in requests for testing, and to have resources available to support patients through the testing and diagnostic process.
Coeliac Australia has an online Health Professionals Hub with resources which may be assistance.