Celiac disease is an inflammatory, autoimmune disorder caused by a gluten intolerance or allergy. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley -- and in some everyday products including medicine and vitamins. If you have a gluten allergy and consume food containing this protein, your digestive system cannot properly absorb nutrients in the food; this causes damage to the small intestine and malnutrition, no matter how well or much you are eating. Symptoms of celiac disease vary depending on age, sex and other factors, including how long you were breastfed or how damaged your small intestine is. Always consult with your doctor; symptoms could be a sign of other health disorders and you should be properly diagnosed.
Abdominal and Digestive Symptoms
A gluten allergy is a digestive disorder, and common symptoms lie within this bodily system. Abdominal bloating or pain and vomiting could be signs of celiac disease, as can chronic diarrhea, constipation and foul-smelling, pale and fatty stool. Significant weight loss can also be a telltale sign -- and also a side effect of these associated symptoms. Digestive symptoms are more common in children and infants than adults. Because these symptoms also mirror those of Chrohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome, patients are often wrongly diagnosed.
Neurological and Psychological Symptoms
Gluten allergies do not just affect the digestive system. In fact, adults are more likely to experience symptoms elsewhere in the body. Anxiety and depression are two common signs you may have celiac disease. Children may experience irritability. Chronic fatigue can also set in when you develop an allergy to gluten. Seizures may be caused by celiac disease. Also, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet can occur.
Menstrual and Reproductive Issues
Women who suffer from a gluten allergy may also experience problems with their reproductive system: missed periods, recurring miscarriages -- even infertility. Young women with celiac disease may reach puberty at a later-than-average age.
Skin and Bone Symptoms
Not all symptoms related to a gluten allergy are internal. Gluten intolerance can take a toll on your skin and bones, including arthritis, bone loss, osteoporosis, muscle pain, canker sores inside the mouth, or an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.
