Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that just has one trigger: gluten. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system perceives it as a threat and starts attacking the lining of the small intestine. The inflammation caused by the immune response can contribute to a variety of symptoms. These symptoms vary from person to person and might impact different body systems.
Here are 8 symptoms of celiac disease you should know to ensure your well-being.
1. Gas or bloating
Autoimmune activity that damages the small intestine produces inflammation, which can lead to bloating and other digestive problems. Frequent gas and abdominal pain are other common signs of untreated celiac disease. Because gas can be mistaken for other diseases like indigestion, lactose intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome, it is frequently misdiagnosed. It is critical to consider this symptom along with others to get an accurate diagnosis.
2. Diarrhea
Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine, resulting in digestive symptoms like diarrhea. Many patients with celiac disease notice loose and watery stool as the initial symptom. However, this symptom is frequently referred to other health conditions and cannot be used to diagnose celiac disease. People with celiac disease experience diarrhea due to intestinal inflammation and damage caused by gluten.
3. Constipation
Constipation is another common symptom of celiac disease. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, an immune response of their bodies causes inflammation. When immune cells attack gluten cells, they inadvertently destroy the villi of the small intestine. Villi are tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from food as it passes through the digestive system. When those villi are damaged, it can prevent nutrients from being absorbed which causes the villi to absorb more moisture from passing feces making them dry and difficult to pass.
4. Fatigue
Reduced energy levels and fatigue are common symptoms of untreated celiac disease. This symptom is caused by several celiac disease-related conditions. First, celiac-related autoimmune activity damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing the body from absorbing nutrients that the body needs regularly. Second, iron deficiency anemia can lead to persistent tiredness.
5. Skin rashes
While stomach problems are the most common indicators of celiac disease, some people experience skin issues as well. The most common manifestation of these symptoms is itchy blisters (known as dermatitis herpetiformis) that develop on the elbows, knees, or buttocks. Surprisingly, many people with skin problems don’t have stomach issues. Less than 10% of celiac disease patients who had skin issues due to their illness experience stomach symptoms.
6. Weight changes
In the early stages of celiac disease, when malnutrition becomes an issue, it isn’t unusual for patients to lose a lot of weight. This is also a typical symptom among children with undiagnosed celiac disease. The problem is that weight loss might be caused by other disorders like diabetes, depression, cancer, or thyroid problems. To get an accurate diagnosis, it is crucial to consider weight changes along with other symptoms like gas and bloating.
7. Headaches
Celiac disease and frequent headaches or migraines have a two-way relationship. Migraines are more common in celiac disease patients, and migraine sufferers are more prone to develop celiac disease. Increased intestinal permeability and inflammation are responsible for this relationship. When the stomach starts leaking, inflammatory compounds enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain where they can trigger headaches.
8. Dental problems
Dental problems like spots on teeth and recurrent canker sores can be symptoms of celiac disease. If you regularly get mouth sores or experience other dental problems like fractures and cavities, you should consider a celiac disease screening. Mouth sores may occur as a result of chronic inflammation. Furthermore, your tongue may burn and feel dry due to vitamin B12, folate, and iron malabsorption. If you do not follow a gluten-free diet, these symptoms may raise your risk of developing oral and esophageal cancer.
