9 Symptoms of Celiac Disease That You Shouldn't Ignore

An autoimmune condition called celiac disease can produce many symptoms, from skin problems and exhaustion to nutritional deficits and digestive problems. Some symptoms of celiac disease and celiac disease tests are also mentioned. Consuming gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye, causes these symptoms. This triggers your immune system, leading to inflammation and minor intestinal damage. Be aware that celiac disease symptoms can differ significantly from person to person and that some affected individuals may experience no symptoms. However, if you suffer any typical early symptoms of celiac disease, it may be a warning that you should be checked for the illness.

What are the early warning signs of celiac disease symptoms?

Here are the list of 9 signs of celiac disease:

1. Diarrhea -

One of the initial symptoms that many patients encounter before receiving a celiac disease diagnosis is loose, watery stools. One study estimates that 43% of people with celiac disease experience diarrhea. This proportion is much lower than before blood tests, which are now frequently used to identify celiac disease, were developed. Thankfully, a gluten-free diet eliminates many celiac disease symptoms, including diarrhea. A gluten-free diet dramatically reduced the amount of diarrhea experienced by celiac disease patients compared to those who did not. However, be aware that there are numerous additional potential reasons for diarrhea, including infections, other dietary intolerances, or digestive problems. Also Read: Is Gluten Bad for You? A Critical Look

2. Gas -

Untreated celiac disease patients may have excessive gas as a digestive problem. One study found that 47% of the 130 children with celiac disease reported having more flatulence. Similarly, in an earlier study, 7% of 193 individuals with celiac disease found that they had extra gas. But bear in mind that there are numerous reasons why people have gas. Only 2 of 150 participants in one research who reported having more gas were determined to have celiac disease. Further, more typical reasons for gas include:

• disorders like lactose intolerance 
• IBS
• which cause indigestion 
• constipation

Also Check: 5 Common Gastrointestinal Diseases & their Symptoms

3. Fatigue -

People with celiac disease may experience low energy and weariness. According to a significant analysis, persons with celiac disease frequently felt exhausted, but this condition typically improved once they switched to a gluten-free diet. Another study discovered that celiac disease patients were more likely to experience sleep problems, which may be an exhaustion factor. If celiac disease is left untreated, minor intestinal damage can result in vitamin and mineral shortages, which may also lower energy levels. Anemia, depression, thyroid issues, infections, and thyroid issues are potential contributors to weariness.

4. Loss of weight -

Early symptoms of celiac disease frequently include sudden weight loss and difficulties gaining weight. This results from your body's decreased capacity to absorb nutrients, which may induce nutrition and weight loss. According to one study, children with celiac disease had low body weight and low body mass index (BMI), respectively, of almost 29% and 26% of children without the disease. One of the most prevalent symptoms in older research of elderly persons with celiac disease was weight loss. Not only were symptoms gone after treatment, but subjects also had an average weight increase.

5. Iron deficiency anemia -

A disorder brought on by a lack of healthy red blood cells may result from impaired nutritional absorption brought on by celiac disease. The following are some signs and symptoms of iron deficient anemia:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chest pain

In one research, it was shown that 40% of celiac disease patients had iron deficiency anemia. 18% of the 455 children with celiac disease in another study were found to be anemic. After 92% of the individuals adhered to a gluten-free diet for an average of one year, their anemia disappeared. Comparably, previous research of 727 celiac patients found that 23% were anemic. A low bone mass brought on by anemia made them twice as likely to develop a severe minor intestine injury. Book an online appointment with the Best Iron Deficiency Anemia Doctors in India

6. Constipation -

While celiac disease can sometimes result in diarrhea, it can also result in constipation for certain people. Intestinal villi are harmed by celiac disease. The small intestine has these little, finger-like extensions in charge of receiving nutrition. The intestinal villi cannot adequately absorb nutrients as food moves through your digestive tract and frequently absorb additional moisture from the stool—constipation results from the hardened, challenging-to-pass stool that results from this. However, people with celiac disease stay constipation-free even with a strict gluten-free diet.  A gluten-free diet excludes numerous items high in fiber, such as grains, which may lead to a drop in fiber intake and a decrease in bowel frequency.

7. Depression -

Along with physical symptoms, celiac disease causes psychological symptoms, including depression. A previous review of 29 research revealed that persons with celiac disease had higher rates and more severe cases of depression than the general population. Another evaluation of 37 research found that having celiac disease increased the chance of developing eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, one study found that untreated celiac disease patients frequently reported experiencing worry, melancholy, and exhaustion, which could significantly impact life quality and dietary compliance. However, there are a lot of additional potential factors that might lead to depression.

8. Bloating -

Bloating and other digestive problems may be brought on by the inflammation that celiac disease can produce in your digestive system. Following a gluten-free diet considerably decreased symptoms like bloating and enhanced quality of life, according to another study including 200 persons with this celiac belly illness. Even when a person does not have celiac disease, gluten may occasionally result in digestive issues like bloating. For instance, one study discovered that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers' symptoms of stomach pain, bloating, and exhaustion was made worse by gluten. Also Read: 13 Ways To Reduce Inflammation in The Body Fast

9. Scratchy rash -

Dermatitis herpetiformis can be brought on by celiac disease. This painful skin rash develops on your buttocks, knees, or elbows. This rash, which affects roughly 17% of those with celiac disease, is one of the apparent signs that prompt a diagnosis. It might also appear following a diagnosis due to poor treatment compliance. The additional digestive symptoms frequently present with celiac disease are uncommon in those who acquire this skin rash. In addition to celiac disease, there are other probable reasons for an itchy skin rash.

Celiac Disease Test -

High levels of certain antibody proteins indicate a gluten-induced immune response.

1. Endoscopy: This test involves passing a long tube down your throat while having a tiny camera attached to it placed in your mouth (upper endoscopy). Your doctor can inspect your small intestine using the camera.
2. Capsule Endoscopy: In this examination, your entire small intestine is photographed using a tiny wireless camera. You ingest a capsule the size of a vitamin that contains the camera. The camera records hundreds of images as the capsule passes through your digestive system and sends them to a recorder. Also Read: Throat infection: Treatment and Prevention

The Conclusion -

A dangerous disorder called celiac disease tests various symptoms, such as digestive problems, nutritional deficits, weight loss, and exhaustion. However, remember that each person with celiac disease may experience different symptoms. While some people may have some of the symptoms mentioned above, others might not. Ask Gastroenterologist in Chennai or Best Gastroenterologist in Kolkata about being tested if you think you might have celiac disease. A gluten-free diet can assist in managing and lessening these symptoms in people with celiac disease stool.