Celiac disease impacts the digestive tract when gluten protein is consumed, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gluten can be found in many foods containing grains like barley and wheat. Individuals with celiac disease experience an immune system reaction when they eat gluten. The Mayo Clinic explains that celiac disease does not present a specific set of symptoms, but there are some that are more common than others.
Digestive System Symptoms
Some individuals do not experience any gastrointestinal symptoms, the Mayo Clinic states. Others may have frequent diarrhea, pain the abdomen or bloating. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that celiac disease may appear to mimic other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, anemia and/or parasite infections. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) explains that children are more likely than adults to have digestive issues with celiac disease.
Less Obvious Symptoms
In addition to or without the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, the Mayo Clinic suggests users may experience ailments that seem unrelated. These may include depression, irritability, pain in the joints, muscle cramping, skin rash, sores in the mouth, bone disorders, dental disorders or tingling of the legs and feet. The NDDIC suggests other symptoms including arthritis, seizures, missed menstrual periods, infertility or recurrent miscarriage or an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.
Symptoms of Malabsorption
Because of the immune response to gluten products, celiac sufferers may begin to experience vitamin deficiencies from the lack of absorption of the nutrients found in those products. The Mayo Clinic explains that this is called malabsorption, and it can lead to several health hazards including weight loss, weakness, fatigue, foul-smelling stools, grayish stools that may be oily or fatty and/or stunted growth in children. Other malabsorption complications, as indicated by the NDDIC, can include liver disease or cancers of the intestine.
