Coeliac Australia calls for increased testing

There is a push for increased testing of coeliac disease, with one in seventy Australian kids having the condition, but a massive 80 per cent remaining undiagnosed. Sufferers from the condition can’t eat gluten proteins found in foods such as wheat, barley, oats and rye without causing internal damage.

Coeliac Australia is marking International Coeliac Awareness Day this week with a call to action for parents, caregivers and doctors to increase testing rates in Australian children – as undiagnosed coeliac disease can profoundly impact a child’s wellbeing and lead to longer-term serious health ramifications, including cancer.

Coeliac Australia says today marks the beginning of a year-long campaign to educate the Australian public on the signs and symptoms of the disease in children. A known ‘clinical chameleon’ – a coeliac disease diagnosis is commonly missed as it mimics many other childhood illnesses.

Coeliac Australia CEO, Fiona Crockett, said, ‘This is particularly true of children who sometimes present with subtle signs and symptoms that mirror those of other conditions. One in 70 Australian children are suspected to have coeliac disease, but unfortunately approximately 80% remain undiagnosed.

‘This year we are focusing our efforts on significantly increasing testing and diagnosis rates in Australian children and encouraging parents and caregivers to ask the question – Could it be Coeliac Disease?’

A serious condition

Head of the Coeliac Research Lab at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Associate Professor Dr Jason Tye-Din, said, ‘Coeliac disease is a serious medical condition that commonly develops in childhood.

‘Leaving it undiagnosed increases the risk of lifelong health complications such as additional autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis or lymphoma,’ he said.

‘Coeliac disease in children is far more prevalent than most think. Undiagnosed coeliac disease can lead to poor health outcomes during childhood, including stunted growth, delayed puberty and impaired school performance.

‘If your child is experiencing symptoms including tiredness and lethargy, mouth ulcers, gastro-intestinal symptoms, iron deficiency, poor weight gain, dental defects or recent changes in behaviour or emotional state – you should speak to your GP about testing for coeliac disease which starts with a simple blood test.’

Genetic origins

Because coeliac is a genetic disease, Coeliac Australia is encouraging testing of all family members if someone has already been diagnosed – even if children are not yet displaying symptoms. Early diagnosis is key for improving longer term health outcomes.

Dr Tye-Din said, ‘Coeliac disease has strong genetic origins and children with a family history of coeliac disease should be screened even if they are asymptomatic. A biological relative of someone with coeliac disease has a significantly increased risk of being affected.’

Coinciding with Coeliac Awareness Day, Coeliac Australia has just launched their Hub for Health Professionals.

Fiona Crockett said, ‘As part of our ongoing commitment to providing health professionals with the latest information on testing and diagnosis, Coeliac Australia is launching The Hub for Health professionals – a newly created online resource providing health professionals with the latest evidence-based information on coeliac disease diagnosis and management.

‘We stand together today with our global counterparts on International Coeliac Disease Awareness Day as we strive for a brighter future for people with coeliac disease,’ she said.

‘We are committed to ensuring Australia is at the forefront of the latest global research and diagnostic tools available to ensure we move toward our goal of creating a world without coeliac disease.’

Coeliac Australia is the national registered charity supporting Australians with coeliac disease and associated conditions requiring a gluten free diet. Find out more here: coeliac.org.au.

Symptoms to look out for in children

• Diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation.
• Weight loss, failure to thrive or stunted growth.
• Delayed puberty.
• Behavioural and emotional issues including irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, impaired school performance and sleep problems.
• Iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Recurrent mouth ulcers.
• Tiredness and lethargy.
• Dental defects.