Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. People with celiac cannot eat gluten as it can cause damage to the small intestine. Celiac is a genetic disorder, meaning people are born with it. It is not something you develop through eating habits or any other outside influences. About 1 in every 100 people around the world are affected by celiac, and even more are undiagnosed. This is troublesome, as left untreated, the disease can have long term health implications.
Gluten can be found in wheat, barley and rye, which are all found in many common foods. People with celiac cannot process gluten the way most people can. For people with celiac disease, consuming foods with gluten causes their body to attack the gluten as if it were an infection. Their immune system causes damage to the villi of the small intestine, which in turn hinders their bodies’ digestion.Read on to learn more about the symptoms of celiac.
1. Abdominal Pain
One of the most common signs of celiac is abdominal pain. This pain is caused by issues in the small intestine. The pain may range from mild discomfort to severe pain. The abdomen may be bloated, which can cause gas and intense pain. You may feel like you are very full and your stomach may feel tight. Your stomach may also appear distended.
These abdominal issues will often appear after you have eaten food containing gluten. Your body is trying to deal with the gluten and it can become a painful process. Stomach pain can be troubling, as it affects your day to day life. Abdominal pain alone may not be celiac, but combined with some of the other symptoms, it can be a possibility. Whether it is celiac or not, if you are experiencing regular abdominal discomfort or pain, you need to see your doctor to address the issue.
2. Joint Pain
Another sign of celiac is joint pain. You may feel an ache in your joints, especially your knees, ankles, finger, and more. This pain may be a constant ache, or it could be a pain that comes and goes. Consuming gluten can lead to inflammation, which can lead to pain in your joints.
Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder like celiac, and celiac can lead to other immune disorders. If your doctor has evaluated you for other joint related issues, it is possible you may have celiac, especially if you are also experiencing some of the other symptoms listed here.
3. Indigestion
Indigestion is a common symptom of celiac. It can be described as heartburn or pain in the chest or upper abdomen. It may feel like your food is sitting in your upper abdomen. The pain can range from mild discomfort like air trapped in your chest to severe pain. Some people have confused indigestion with a heart attack because the pain was so intense.
If you suffer from recurring issues, it can be debilitating and have a negative impact on your lifestyle. You may be reluctant to eat, as you are afraid of the pain that comes afterward. If you are experiencing indigestion, it may be a sign of celiac or another disease. It is important to see your doctor about the issue.
4. Diarrhea
Another of the most common signs of celiac is diarrhea. It can be described as loose or liquid bowel movements. If you suffer from celiac, your body does not absorb nutrients from food, an issue known as malabsorption. This can lead to diarrhea, as your body is not processing your food correctly.
Chronic diarrhea can lead to many problems with your health and your mental state. Frequent upset stomach can cause dehydration and malnutrition. If you have frequent issues, your quality of life is likely low as you cannot eat without fear of having an upset stomach and you also have trouble making plans. If you are experiencing regular diarrhea, it is imperative that you see a doctor.
5. Nausea
Nausea is another symptom of celiac disease that can be debilitating. It is a feeling of being sick to your stomach to the point where you may feel like you are going to throw up. You may have a constant feeling of sickness or it may be intermittent. Regardless, it can have a huge effect on your life, because if you are feeling sick to your stomach it is difficult to work, spend time with family or do anything. Nausea may be caused by your digestive system unsuccessfully trying to process the gluten you are eating.
6. Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness and is a symptom of celiac. You may feel exhausted, even after getting a full night’s sleep. Doctors are still unsure of the link between celiac and fatigue. It may have to do with malnutrition and anemia. If your body is not getting the right nutrients, then it is not getting the fuel it needs to keep you going. It is often one of the most difficult issues with celiac to get over and it often lingers long after you have made changes in your diet. If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, it is time to see your doctor and get evaluated.
7. Skin Rash
Celiac has been associated with a skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis. This rash is also known as gluten rash or celiac rash. If you suffer from this rash, your skin will be extremely itchy and may appear red and blistered. The rash usually appears on the elbows, knees and buttocks. It will usually show up on both sides of the body.
This rash may come and go and will sometimes cause brown marks on the skin where it has lost pigmentation. There are certain medications that can control the rash, but the best bet is to eliminate gluten from your diet. If you have a recurring rash, it is important to see your doctor.
8. Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common side effect of celiac. It only follows that if you are suffering from other symptoms. Bowel movement issues and malabsorption can lead to malnutrition, which can cause you to lose weight as your body is not getting what it needs. Additionally, if you are suffering from abdominal pain, indigestion or nausea, you are probably not eating as much for fear of how you will feel after eating. If you are losing weight, it is time to see your doctor.
