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Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Coeliac disease primarily affects the digestive system, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Commonly reported symptoms include persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, and excessive flatulence. Some individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, or constipation. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they often flare up after consuming gluten-containing foods such as bread, pasta, and cakes.
Non-Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Aside from gastrointestinal issues, coeliac disease can manifest in a number of other ways. Fatigue, particularly after meals, is a frequent complaint, as the body struggles to absorb nutrients. Weight loss and delayed growth in children can also be signs of untreated coeliac disease. Other symptoms may include anaemia (due to iron deficiency), osteoporosis (stemming from poor calcium absorption), and mouth ulcers.
Dermatological Symptoms
Some individuals with coeliac disease may develop a skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis. This rash is typically itchy and blistering, appearing most commonly on the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks. The rash is often symmetrical and can be quite painful. It acts as an external indicator of gluten intolerance and can be alleviated by adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.
Neurological Symptoms
Coeliac disease can also affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headaches or migraines, balance problems, and nerve damage symptoms like numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (known as peripheral neuropathy). Some sufferers may also experience cognitive issues such as brain fog or difficulty concentrating, impacting daily activities and quality of life.
Reproductive Symptoms
In women, coeliac disease can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages. Pregnant women with untreated coeliac disease are at a higher risk of complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. It is crucial for women experiencing these symptoms to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and management.
Conclusion
Coeliac disease presents a wide range of symptoms that can affect various parts of the body. Early diagnosis and management through a gluten-free diet can significantly improve quality of life for those affected. If you suspect you have coeliac disease, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Stomach Symptoms
Coeliac disease mainly affects the stomach and intestines. This can cause problems like runny tummy (diarrhoea), tummy ache, feeling full or really gassy. Some people might feel sick, throw up or have trouble going to the toilet (constipation). These problems often happen after eating foods like bread, pasta, and cakes, which have something called gluten.
Other Symptoms
Coeliac disease can also cause other types of problems. You might feel very tired, especially after eating. This is because your body isn’t getting enough nutrients. Some people might lose weight or children might not grow as they should. Other problems can include feeling weak from low iron (anaemia), weak bones (osteoporosis), and sores in the mouth.
Skin Problems
Some people with coeliac disease get an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. It comes with blisters and usually shows up on elbows, knees, back, and bottom. The rash can be sore and itchy. It shows that the person cannot eat gluten, and eating foods without gluten can help it get better.
Nervous System Problems
Coeliac disease can also affect the nerves, which might give you headaches, trouble keeping balanced, or feelings of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Some people have a hard time thinking clearly or concentrating, which makes everyday tasks difficult.
Reproductive Symptoms
For women, coeliac disease can cause issues with their periods, make it hard to have babies, or lead to loss of pregnancies. Pregnant women who do not treat the disease might have problems like giving birth early or having small babies. It's important for women with these problems to see a doctor for help.
In Summary
Coeliac disease can cause many problems all over the body. Finding it early and not eating gluten can help you feel much better. If you think you might have coeliac disease, talk to a doctor to find out for sure and get the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coeliac disease is a condition where the immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your gut (small intestine) so you cannot take in nutrients.
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, and constipation.
Yes, unintentional weight loss can occur due to poor absorption of nutrients.
Yes, fatigue and weakness are common symptoms due to nutrient deficiencies.
Yes, dermatitis herpetiformis, a rash that itches and blisters, is associated with coeliac disease.
Yes, recurring mouth ulcers can be a symptom of coeliac disease.
Symptoms can include headaches, 'foggy mind,' balance problems, and nerve damage.
Yes, symptoms in children can include failure to thrive, delayed puberty, and irritability.
Yes, joint pain and inflammation are possible symptoms.
Symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Yes, iron-deficiency anaemia is common due to poor nutrient absorption.
Yes, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms.
Yes, it can lead to symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Yes, it can cause infertility and irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Symptoms can appear within a few hours to a few days after consuming gluten.
Coeliac disease is when your body gets upset and attacks itself if you eat gluten. Gluten is found in foods like bread and pasta. This can hurt your tummy (small intestine) and make it hard to get the goodness from food.
Here are some things that might happen:
- You might need to go to the toilet a lot (diarrhoea).
- Your tummy might hurt (abdominal pain).
- Your tummy might feel full or big (bloating).
- You might have a lot of burps or farts (flatulence).
- You might have a sore tummy after eating (indigestion).
- You might have trouble going to the toilet (constipation).
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Yes, sometimes people lose weight because their bodies can't take in food properly.
Yes, feeling very tired and weak can happen if you do not get enough vitamins and minerals.
Yes, there is a rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. It makes your skin itchy and blister. This rash is linked to coeliac disease.
Yes, getting mouth sores again and again can be a sign of an illness called coeliac disease.
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Symptoms can be headaches, feeling confused, trouble standing or walking, and nerve hurt.
Yes, children can show signs by not growing well, starting puberty later than usual, and being grumpy or upset.
Yes, your joints might hurt and feel swollen.
Signs that something is wrong can be runny poop (diarrhea), being unable to poop (constipation), a tummy that feels too full (bloating), lots of passing wind (gas), and tummy pain.
Yes, many people have low iron because their bodies do not take in enough nutrients.
Yes, feeling sick and throwing up can be signs.
Yes, it can make people feel very sad or worried.
Yes, it can make it hard for women to have babies and cause periods to be uneven.
You might feel sick a few hours or a few days after eating food with gluten.
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