Talia was experiencing vomiting episodes, her bowels were erratic and she had no energy - and nobody knew why.

That was just 18 months ago but it's a far cry from the happy and healthy seven-year-old Sally sees today.

The dramatic change occurred when Talia was diagnosed with coeliac disease, which affects at least one in 100 children.

"Talia started to get a very bloated tummy when she was about five years old and then she had episodes two or three times a week when she would vomit, go very white, lose all her energy and have to lie down for 10 minutes or so," Sally said.

"Then she would jump up and start playing again. But as time went on, the episodes got more and more frequent until she would be feeling sick about three or four times a day.

"Her bowels were also very erratic and she didn't have much stamina ... often when we were out walking she would get so tired that we would have to turn round and come home again.

"We were very worried about her because something was obviously wrong but we just didn't know what it was." At that stage Talia was among the four out of five children who have the disease but are not diagnosed.

"It was such a relief to know what was wrong and to be able to do something about it," Sally said.

"The turnaround in her health once she started treatment was immediate.

"Her bloated stomach and tummy upsets disappeared and she became much more energetic again."

Coeliac Awareness Week, which runs from Saturday to March 20, holds special significance for Sally and Talia. For a free brochure on coeliac disease in children, or more information about how it affects adults, call the Coeliac Awareness Hotline on 1300 273 272.