Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine. It is triggered by eating foods containing gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. The damage to the small intestine can lead to long-lasting digestive problems and prevent the body from absorbing all the necessary nutrients from food. This can result in malnutrition and other serious health issues. Celiac disease is different from gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies, as it specifically damages the small intestine. The exact cause of celiac disease is not known, but occurs in individuals with certain genes who consume gluten-containing foods. The symptoms of celiac disease can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience multiple symptoms that come and go. Here are some common symptoms of celiac disease:
- Digestive symptoms: These are more common in children than in adults. They may include bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, lactose intolerance, loose and greasy stools, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Celiac disease damages the small intestine, which can lead to difficulty absorbing nutrients. This can result in symptoms such as unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, extreme tiredness or fatigue, weight loss, and missed menstrual periods.
- Skin rash: Some individuals with celiac disease may develop a very itchy skin rash with blisters called dermatitis herpetiformis. This rash typically appears on the elbows, knees, buttocks, back, or scalp.
- Mental health issues: Celiac disease has been associated with depression and anxiety. These mental health problems can be related to the impact of the condition on overall well-being.
- Joint pain: Some individuals with celiac disease may experience joint pain and stiffness.
- Neurological symptoms: Nervous system symptoms such as headaches, balance problems, seizures, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands and feet), and cognitive impairment have been reported in some cases of celiac disease.
- Reproductive problems: Celiac disease may affect fertility in both women and men. Women may experience infertility or delayed start of menstrual periods, missed menstrual periods, or repeated miscarriages. Men may also have fertility issues.
To treat or mitigate these symptoms:
- The primary treatment for celiac disease is following a strict gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. By eliminating gluten from their diet, individuals with celiac disease can reduce inflammation in the small intestine and allow it to heal.
- It is important to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian who specializes in celiac disease to develop a personalized gluten-free eating plan. They can provide guidance on which foods are safe to eat and how to avoid cross-contamination.
- In some cases, nutritional supplements may be recommended to address any nutrient deficiencies caused by malabsorption.
- For individuals with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), medication such as dapsone may be prescribed to help manage the skin rash.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.
To treat a flare-up of celiac disease, it's essential to follow a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods and products that contain gluten. It's also important to read food labels carefully and be aware of hidden sources of gluten. In some severe cases medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may be necessary to help manage the disease when a gluten free diet is not controlling symptoms.
In addition to dietary changes, managing stress levels can also help prevent or manage flare-ups. Stress management techniques such as exercise, relaxation exercises, and seeking support from friends and family can be beneficial.