Celiac disease is an inherited condition caused by an intolerance to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. Also called celiac sprue, or gluten sensitive enteropathy, the disease damages the small intestine and results in malabsorption of nutrients. The condition can produce symptoms either within, or outside the digestive tract. Approximately 2 million people in the U.S. have the illness, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Abdominal Bloating and Pain
Destruction of the absorptive surface disrupts the normal movement of the small intestine and increases gas production and pain in the intestines. Children are more likely to have digestive symptoms than adults, according to the Merck Manual Medical Library.
Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of celiac disease is fatigue or a lack of energy. This is due to inflammatory processes, lack of nutrient absorption, and iron deficiency anemia.
Weight Loss
People with celiac disease can have a decreased appetite, which leads to weight loss. An inability to absorb vitamins and calories also promotes weight loss. Weight loss is much more common in infants and young children than in adults.
Chronic Diarrhea and Fatty Stool
Due to poor absorptive ability, people with celiac disease sometimes have bouts of mild diarrhea. The disease makes it especially difficult to absorb fats and proteins from the diet, which contributes to the diarrhea. Poor absorption can produce a soft, pale, bulky stool that floats, known as fatty stool.
Bone Disease
Bone fracture due to osteoporosis is sometimes a symptom of untreated celiac disease, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Poor absorption of vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients necessary for proper bone strength and density can result in thin, brittle bones.
Skin Rash
About 10 percent of people with celiac disease develop dermatitis herpetiformis, an intensely itchy, blistering rash mainly over the elbows, knees and buttocks, says the Merck Manual Medical Library.
Diagnosis
Since many people have no symptoms, and because the symptoms often mimic other illnesses, celiac disease is often difficult to diagnose. A combination of blood tests and intestinal biopsy are used for diagnosis. The anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody, and anti-endomysial antibody are the two diagnostic blood tests performed. It is important to continue eating gluten products until after the blood tests to avoid a false-negative test. If one of these blood markers is positive, a biopsy of tissue is taken from the small intestine to look for a flattening of the absorptive surface, or villi.
