Digestive System Diseases: 25 Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Among digestive system diseases, celiac disease is the one in which people are unable to consume gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten, a protein, is also found in certain medications, nutrient supplements, and lip balms.

Gluten interferes with the immune system in people with celiac disease, resulting in intestinal inflammation that damages the inner lining of the small intestine, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gluten prevents the small intestine from absorbing vital nutrients.

In some cases, the immune system can attack other areas of the body, including the nervous system, skin, spleen, bones, and joints.

ALERT: Weird Gut Bacteria Linked to Digestion, Heart, Obesity, Brain Problems

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, but it is sometimes hereditary. Adults and children can have the disease. Certain genetic diseases may increase the risk of celiac disease.

Here are 25 symptoms associated with celiac disease, according to the NIDDK and the Celiac Disease Foundation:

Adults with this digestive system disease don’t necessarily have digestive system signs of distress.

Symptoms of celiac disease for adults include:

1. Fatigue
2. Anemia
3. Joint or bone pain
4. Depression or anxiety
5. Itchy skin from dermatitis
6. Numbness in the hands and feet
7. Brittle bones or osteoporosis
8. Headaches or migraines
9. Seizures
10. Infertility or recurrent miscarriage
11. Missed menstrual periods
12. Canker sores in the mouth
13. Abdominal pain, bloating, ulcers, or blockages in the intestine from intestinal inflammation

SPECIAL: Doctor: You Can Stop Digestion Woes, Heartburn, Gas, Constipation, More

For children, common celiac disease symptoms include:

14. Chronic diarrhea
15. Constipation
16. Abdominal bloating
17. Stomach pain
18. Gas
19. Nausea
20. Vomiting
21. Slowed growth
22. Weight loss
23. Irritability
24. Delayed puberty
25. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

People diagnosed with celiac disease can no longer eat foods with gluten. This digestive system disease usually improves within days of starting a gluten-free diet, and symptoms eventually disappear, according to WebMD.

The damaged villi on the inner lining of the small intestine are healed within six months, so they can effectively absorb nutrients.

The gluten-free diet must be adhered to for a lifetime. Going back to gluten products can bring back symptoms. In some cases, the diet does not help because of severe damage to the intestines from this digestive system disease. They are given nutritional supplements intravenously, WebMD notes.

Doctor: Not All Probiotics Are the Same, Some Are Dangerous! Read More Here

Related Stories:

• The Hidden Link Between Celiac Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
• Benefits and Problems of Probiotics for Celiac Disease