Celiac disease is a condition that occurs among people with an immune sensitivity to the protein gluten which is found in products containing wheat, barley and rye. Consuming gluten-containing foods causes the body's immune system to react, leading to damage to the small intestine. Symptoms of Celiac disease among adults vary considerably from person to person, making it difficult to recognize.
General Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, Celiac disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, and there is no typical set of symptoms in adults. These symptoms may resemble symptoms of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, skin disorders, Crohn's disease and anemia. Many of the signs may not seem to be related to the small intestine at all, making Celiac disease difficult to recognize. Some of these symptoms may include fatigue, arthritis, bone and joint pain, depression, anxiety, irritability, tingling or numbness in the extremities, canker sores inside the mouth and a rash on the skin called dermatitis herpetiformis. This causes extremely itchy bumps or blisters to form on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks or other areas of the body, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Some women may begin to miss their menstrual periods, experience recurrent miscarriage or have problems with fertility.
Unusual Symptoms in Adults
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, digestive symptoms are more common among children and infants than adults; however, some adults may experience abdominal bloating, stomach pain, constipation or chronic diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and pale, foul-smelling or fatty stool.
Malnutrition and Other Serious Symptoms
Some adults may have Celiac disease for 10 years or more without knowing, and the risks of developing serious symptoms are higher in those adults who go a long time without being diagnosed or treated, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Chronic, long-term Celiac disease can lead to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition as a result of damage to the small intestine. This can deprive the brain, bones, nerves, liver and other vital organs of the nourishment they need for proper functioning.
Consequently, anemia--a condition in which too few red cells in the bloodstream limit the oxygen that reaches bodily tissues--may develop, causing severe fatigue and weakness and increasing the risk of heart damage. Osteoporosis--a condition that causes loss of bone density--can increase the risk of bone fractures. Liver diseases and cancers of the intestine may also develop.
