10 Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease You Need to Know
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that affects the small intestine, which occurs when an individual’s immune system responds to the consumption of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease eat gluten, their body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of their small intestine, causing inflammation and damage.
In most cases, celiac disease symptoms typically develop in early childhood, but it can also develop later in life. Here are ten common symptoms of celiac disease that you need to know:
1. Digestive Problems
One of the most frequent symptoms of celiac disease is digestive problems such as bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms are caused by the damage to the lining of the small intestine, which affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
If an individual with celiac disease eats gluten, it can damage the lining of their small intestine, which affects the absorption of nutrients, leading to unexplained weight loss.
3. Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is another symptom of celiac disease. It occurs due to anemia, which is a common complication of celiac disease. Anemia occurs when the small intestine’s lining is damaged, and there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
4. Joint Pain
Celiac disease can cause inflammation in the joints, which causes pain and stiffness. The joint pain can occur in any part of the body but is frequent in the knees, hips, and hands.
5. Skin Rashes
Individuals with celiac disease may develop skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis, which is an itchy, blistering skin rash. The rash occurs due to the immune system’s response to gluten in the body.
6. Headaches
Headaches are another common symptom of celiac disease. The headache can occur due to malabsorption of nutrients, leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
7. Mood Disorders
Individuals with celiac disease may experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. These mood disorders may occur due to malabsorption of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and tryptophan, which are essential for brain function.
8. Dental Problems
Celiac disease can lead to dental problems such as enamel defects, canker sores, and frequent cavities. These dental problems occur due to malabsorption of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy teeth.
9. Infertility
Celiac disease can affect fertility in both men and women. Women with celiac disease may experience irregular periods, infertility, and miscarriages. In contrast, men with celiac disease may experience low testosterone levels and reduced fertility.
10. Delayed Growth and Puberty
In children, celiac disease can lead to delayed growth and puberty. This occurs due to malabsorption of nutrients during a critical time of development, leading to delayed growth and puberty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, celiac disease can affect various parts of the body, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. However, the ten symptoms mentioned in this article are the most common symptoms of celiac disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention to get tested for celiac disease. Avoiding gluten from your diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
