Celiac disease occurs when the body attacks the small intestine after wheat, rye or barley-grains with gluten-have been eaten. If you have celiac disease, you are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis or cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. Celiac disease is a life-long disease; the only treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet to prevent further intestinal damage. There are more than 300 symptoms of celiac disease, states the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness; however, some people may experience few to none.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Celiac disease may cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. You may experience chronic diarrhea, or loose, watery stools that occur often. Diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain and discomfort and sudden urges to use the restroom. Diarrhea may be caused by the inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients during celiac disease, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
Alternately, some people experience constipation, or the inability to pass stool. Stools may be hard and infrequent. You may also develop alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation with celiac disease. You may also experience frequent bloating, flatulence and foul-smelling, fatty stools with the disease.
Rash
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rash caused by gluten sensitivity that may appear with celiac disease. The rash occurs on the knees, buttocks and elbows, contains blisters and is intensely itchy. MayoClinic.com states that dermatitis herpetiformis can indicate celiac disease with proper testing and is managed with a gluten-free diet.
Malnutrition
The body may not be able to absorb needed nutrients with celiac disease due to damage caused to the small intestine. Weight loss and malnutrition may result. Children may have failure to thrive or not grow in height or weight as expected. You may also develop anemia, a low red blood cell count, or thinning bones as a result of malnutrition as well.
Other Symptoms
Additional symptoms may appear with celiac disease, including extreme fatigue, irritability, headaches and reoccurring canker sores inside the mouth. Women may experience missed menstrual periods or suffer from infertility, according to the National Institutes of Health. Brown, yellow or white spots may form on teeth, especially incisors and molars. Joint pain and numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or other body areas may also occur with celiac disease. Symptoms of celiac disease may appear at any stage in life. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness suggests seeing your doctor if symptoms of celiac disease are a concern.
