10 Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease You Should Not Ignore

Introduction

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people globally. If left unaddressed, it can lead to severe health problems. Unfortunately, many people remain undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and the subtle nature of its symptoms. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the ten common symptoms of celiac disease that you should not ignore.

Symptom 1: Digestive Issues

One of the initial symptoms of celiac disease is gastrointestinal discomfort. This discomfort can occur in the form of bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, or constipation. These symptoms occur because the body is unable to absorb nutrients correctly, which can lead to malnutrition and other digestive issues.

Symptom 2: Weight Loss

Celiac disease can make it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, leading to unexplained weight loss. This can happen despite an increase in food consumption due to the inflammation in the digestive tract.

Symptom 3: Fatigue or Weakness

Celiac disease can cause chronic fatigue or weakness as the body becomes unable to absorb important nutrients such as iron and folate, which are essential to maintaining energy levels.

Symptom 4: Skin Problems

Celiac disease can cause dermatitis herpetiformis, an autoimmune skin condition that presents as a rash on the skin. Most commonly, it occurs on the elbows, knees, and buttocks.

Symptom 5: Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Celiac disease can lead to iron-deficiency anemia because the body struggles to absorb iron and other essential nutrients. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and a pale appearance.

Symptom 6: Joint Pain

Celiac disease can lead to joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. This happens when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues in the joints, leading to joint pain and stiffness.

Symptom 7: Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are a common symptom of celiac disease. These can be painful and can make eating difficult.

Symptom 8: Depression or Anxiety

Celiac disease can also affect a person’s mental health, leading to depression or anxiety. This is a result of the inflammation in the gut that can result in changes in mood-regulating chemicals in the brain.

Symptom 9: Infertility

Untreated celiac disease can lead to infertility in both men and women. This is because the damage to the small intestine can prevent proper nutrient absorption, leading to hormonal imbalances that can cause infertility.

Symptom 10: Stunted Growth

In children, celiac disease can cause stunted growth since the body is unable to absorb the nutrients required to maintain growth and development.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. Celiac disease can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test, and the treatment involves a lifelong gluten-free diet. Do not ignore these warning signs, and get tested to avoid any long-term health problems.