Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

There are no typical symptoms of celiac disease. Most people with the disease have general complaints, such as:

Intermittent diarrhea

Abdominal pains

Bloating

Sometimes people with celiac disease may have no gastrointestinal symptoms at all. Symptoms of celiac disease can also mimic other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, parasitic infections, anemia.

Celiac disease may also occur in less obvious ways, such as:

Irritability or depression

Anemia

Stomach problems

Joint pain

Muscle cramps

Rash

Mouth sores

Dental and bone (eg osteoporosis)

Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)

Some signs of malabsorption of nutrients, which may result from celiac disease are:

Weight Loss

Diarrhea

Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating

The general weakness and fatigue

Smelling stools or grayish color that may be fatty or oily

Growth retardation (in children)

Osteoporosis

Another gluten-related condition

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy, blistering skin disease that also stems from gluten intolerance. The rash usually occurs on the torso, scalp and buttocks. Dermatitis herpetiformis can cause changes in the lining of the small intestine similar to celiac disease. But it can not produce noticeable digestive symptoms. This disease is treated with a gluten-free diet, in addition to medication to control the eruption.

When a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience signs or symptoms that worry you. If someone in your family has celiac disease, ask your doctor whether you can be at risk for the disease. Your doctor may recommend screening because celiac disease tends to run in families.

Consult a physician for a child who is pale, irritable and unable to grow and have a belly and smelly, bulky stools. Other conditions can cause the same symptoms, in order to discuss with your child's doctor before trying a gluten-free diet.