15 Symptoms of Celiac Disease: Do You Have It?

Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, is an autoimmune condition prevalent in approximately 1% of the American population. It stems from an adverse immune response to gluten, primarily found in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune system of affected individuals mistakenly attacks the small intestine's lining, leading to villous atrophy and compromised nutrient absorption.This genetic disorder can cause significant and sometimes irreversible harm to the digestive system and may be hereditary. Diagnosis typically involves specific blood tests and endoscopic examination, and it is crucial for patients to maintain their regular diet, including gluten, prior to testing to avoid false negatives. Untreated celiac disease can lead to serious health issues such as osteoporosis, anemia, stunted growth in children, and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Early detection and a stringent gluten-free diet are essential for managing celiac disease and mitigating risks. The manifestation of celiac disease can involve multiple symptoms; if you experience any of the common indicators or suspect you may be at risk, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for appropriate testing.

1. No Symptoms

It has come to light that a significant number of individuals with celiac disease remain asymptomatic, which poses a hidden risk since the lack of symptoms does not prevent intestinal damage. Advancements in diagnostic methods have enabled the identification of the disease in individuals who may have been previously unaware of their condition. Asymptomatic or not, those diagnosed with celiac disease need to adhere to a proper diet to mitigate the risk of severe complications related to the disease, including an increased risk of cancer. It is critical for such individuals to understand the importance of maintaining a gluten-free diet for their long-term health and well-being.

2. Bloating

Individuals with celiac disease often experience significant abdominal discomfort, characterized by bloating and gas retention, which can persist for several days following gluten ingestion. The distension of the stomach can lead to severe pain, and patients frequently report symptoms akin to intense intestinal distress, including excessive flatulence. It is important to note that while bloating can indicate various dietary issues, it should particularly be monitored when it occurs in relation to gluten consumption, as this may be indicative of celiac disease.

3. Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is a prevalent symptom in individuals suffering from celiac disease. This condition can manifest as frequent, odorous, and at times, acute episodes. The stools may appear pale or white, often with a tendency to float on water, and this consistency can be observed even in solid stools. Associated with chronic diarrhea are conditions such as hemorrhoids, which may develop due to insufficient bulk in the fecal matter.

If you require further information or support in managing symptoms of celiac disease, please consult a healthcare professional.

4. Constipation

Individuals with celiac disease often experience diarrhea; however, constipation can also occur as a symptom. This condition manifests due to sluggish bowel movements, potentially caused by the body's attempt to absorb maximum nutrients in response to the compromised function of damaged villi. Such constipation might also be interspersed with bouts of severe diarrhea when gluten is ingested, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and bloating.

5. Weight Loss or Gain

Individuals with celiac disease may experience weight fluctuation due to their body's response to nutrient deficiencies. Diarrhea, often triggered by gluten consumption, can impede the absorption of calories, leading to weight loss as the body depletes its energy reserves. Conversely, some may gain weight as their bodies crave essential nutrients, prompting them to overeat in an attempt to compensate. Achieving a stable weight typically requires the elimination of gluten from their diet to restore proper nutrient absorption.

6. Fatigue

Fatigue is frequently reported among individuals with celiac disease, often stemming from malnutrition due to malabsorption. This condition can manifest in substantial exhaustion and general discomfort. Individuals may find themselves consuming greater quantities of sugary foods and caffeine in an effort to maintain energy levels. Following a celiac disease diagnosis and subsequent adherence to a gluten-free diet, many patients experience a prompt alleviation of fatigue symptoms.

7. Trouble Concentrating

Individuals with celiac disease often report a phenomenon known as "brain fog" following the ingestion of gluten. Characterized by confusion, difficulty focusing, and short-term memory challenges, this cognitive impairment manifests swiftly after consuming gluten and may linger for an extended period. Symptoms can be severe enough to disrupt daily activities, such as forgetting appointments or losing one's train of thought. However, eliminating gluten from the diet typically resolves these symptoms, restoring clarity and alertness for those affected.

8. Problems Falling and Staying Asleep

Recent research indicates that sleep disturbances are prevalent among individuals with celiac disease, regardless of their overall dietary habits. These disturbances may present as difficulty in initiating sleep or maintaining sleep continuity. Compared to the general population, the prevalence of sleep disorders is notably higher in patients with celiac disease. Contributing factors to these sleep issues include psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms like fatigue.

9. Numbness and Tingling

Individuals with celiac disease often experience neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling sensations. Neurological complications associated with the condition can impair both gross and fine motor skills, as well as sensory functions. Individuals who have not been diagnosed with celiac disease may notice nerve-related issues in their extremities, characterized by a mild tingling to a more pronounced sense akin to limbs "falling asleep." Additionally, they may experience a loss of sensation in their hands and feet, as numbness is a frequently reported symptom. Furthermore, celiac disease can also affect nerves in other areas, including facial muscles.

10. Depression

Research indicates that individuals with celiac disease experience elevated levels of depression and have a higher susceptibility to suicide when compared to the general populace. Adherence to a gluten-free diet, a necessity for managing celiac disease, has not significantly diminished these rates of depression. Moreover, a particular study highlights a link between disordered eating patterns and depression, specifically in women with celiac disease, stemming from the vigilant scrutiny required to exclude gluten from their diet. This vigilance can lead to restrictive eating behaviors. On a more positive note, data suggest that the risk of suicide tends to decrease notably after patients are diagnosed with celiac disease and implement the necessary dietary adjustments.

11. Gas

Gas, often accompanying symptoms like bloating and diarrhea, is commonly associated with untreated celiac disease. Healthline cites a study from the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology confirming that a majority of individuals with celiac disease report gas as a prevalent symptom. Further research involving 96 adults from northern India with celiac disease indicated that 9.4 percent experienced significant gas and bloating.

However, it is crucial to recognize that excess gas can be caused by various factors beyond celiac disease. For instance, a separate investigation involving 150 individuals with increased gas symptoms revealed only two cases of celiac disease, suggesting other prevalent causes such as constipation, indigestion, habitual air swallowing, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is essential to consider these various potential causes when diagnosing the root of excess gas symptoms.

12. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia, characterized by insufficient red blood cell levels, can be a secondary condition to celiac disease due to the latter's impairment of nutrient absorption. Healthline notes that common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, chest pain, headaches, and dizziness. Research, including a study on 34 children with celiac disease, found that approximately 15% also had mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia. Another investigation involving 84 individuals with unexplained iron deficiency anemia revealed that 7% had celiac disease; following a gluten-free diet, their serum iron levels significantly improved. Furthermore, a publication in the Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology discussed a study involving 727 patients with celiac disease, where 23% were anemic and those affected had a higher incidence of small intestine damage and reduced bone mass, conditions linked to celiac disease.

However, it is important to recognize that iron deficiency anemia can arise from various causes beyond celiac disease, including dietary insufficiencies, chronic use of certain pain medications like aspirin, and substantial blood loss attributable to heavy menstrual periods or peptic ulcers.

13. Itchy Rash

Celiac disease is known to sometimes manifest as an itchy skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis, characterized by a blistering rash predominantly affecting the elbows, knees, or buttocks. According to Healthline and research from the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately 17% of individuals with celiac disease suffer from this rash, which often leads to their diagnosis. Nonadherence to the appropriate gluten-free treatment may trigger the onset of this condition. Notably, dermatitis herpetiformis may present without classic gastrointestinal symptoms in people with celiac disease; Healthline indicates that less than 10% of patients with the rash experience these digestive symptoms. Additionally, it is important to recognize that itchy skin rashes can also result from other disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, other forms of dermatitis, or hives.

14. Symptoms in Children

Gastrointestinal issues are relatively prevalent among the pediatric population, often more so than in adults, according to WebMD. Celiac disease, while affecting both children and adults, can manifest in numerous ways. Those affected may experience symptoms ranging from growth impediments and unexplained weight loss to persistent diarrhea, which can occasionally contain blood, as well as constipation, nausea, abdominal bloating and discomfort, fatigue, mood swings, and developmental delays. Notably, children suffering from celiac disease may exhibit signs of malnutrition, such as a swollen abdomen coupled with a noticeable thinness in the lower extremities.

15. Symptoms in Teens

Celiac disease is not confined by age and can manifest during adolescence, as noted by WebMD. Stressful triggers, including physical trauma, significant life changes, or pregnancy, may provoke the display of symptoms in teenagers. These symptoms often mirror those seen in children, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue, augmented by abdominal discomfort.

Additional signs in teens, as reported by WebMD, may include delayed puberty, growth complications, depressive moods, dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash), and canker sores.

For further insights on diet and health, please refer to our upcoming articles.