There are many different symptoms of Coeliac Disease and it should always be diagnosed formally by a health professional.
Diarrhoea
The most common symptom of Coeliac Disease is diarrhoea, that's because the condition affects the small intestine. Alongside diarrhoea many sufferers find themselves with pain in the abdomen (or cramps), occasional bloating (which may be caused by a fermentation reaction of gas in the bowel) and mouth ulcers.
It is very common for people to be misdiagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) rather than Coeliac Disease. If you suffer from IBS it's worth asking your doctor for a test to make sure.
Lactose Intolerance
If Coeliac Disease is left untreated, it may lead to damage of the bowel and that can cause increasing levels of lactose intolerance (that is a problem digesting milk and dairy products such as cheese). Lactose intolerance can magnify other symptoms of Coeliac Disease and lead to nausea, and vomiting too.
Vitamin Deficiency and Other Nutritional Deficiencies
Coeliac Disease sufferers often find that the condition makes it more difficult for their bodies to take on essential nutrients, such as fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. These symptoms of Coeliac Disease can be expressed in many different ways:
- Dramatic Weight Loss/Stunted Growth – due to a lack of fats and carbohydrates
- Anaemia – if the body isn't absorbing enough iron
- Osteopenia/Osteoporosis – when there's not enough uptake of Vitamin D and/or Calcium
- Blood Clotting Disorders – if Vitamin K isn't being taken in sufficient quantities
Other Conditions
Coeliac disease has been linked to a host of other conditions and the symptoms above are not a definitive list. Things to watch out for are; regular/recurrent miscarriages, hyposplenism (a problem with the spleen), delayed onset of puberty, dermatological conditions, and unexplained sterility.
Alleviating Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
The only effective way to alleviate the symptoms of coeliac disease is to adopt a gluten free diet. Gluten free recipes are as easy to prepare as any other type of food, and gluten free food can be every bit as tasty and interesting as the food you are used to.
Gluten Free Food
Coeliac Disease Symptons
People afflicted with celiac disease often experience symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, farting, vitamin deficiencies, weight loss and mineral loss...