Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms can vary widely among patients. Unmanaged celiac disease can lead to many long-term issues, including anemia, osteoporosis and frequent respiratory infections.
Digestive Symptoms
Digestive symptoms of celiac disease include:
Recurring bloating, abdominal pain or gas
Chronic diarrhea or constipation or both
Vomiting (usually seen in children)
Pale, foul-smelling stool
Other Symptoms
Non-gastric symptoms include:
Unexplained anemia
Fatigue
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Vitamin K deficiency
Canker sores in the mouth
Bone or joint pain
Behavioral changes
Infertility
Diagnosis
Celiac disease cannot be self-diagnosed. The preliminary diagnosis is made by a blood test, taken while the patient is eating his normal diet. If the patient has stopped eating gluten prior to the test, the results will be incorrect. The diagnosis might be confirmed with an endoscopic biopsy of the small bowel.
Treatment
Treatment of celiac disorder consists of eliminating all gluten from the diet. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye products. Many processed foods contain gluten. Registered dieticians can help celiac patients learn to control their diet.
Symptomatic Intensity
Celiac symptoms can vary widely, and researchers are still working to figure out why. Some variables may include if and for how long the patient was breastfed, the amount of gluten she eats and at what age she begin to eat gluten. Other variables may include underlying medical conditions and the degree of damage to the small intestine.
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