Celiac symptoms can appear as early as 6 months of age, with slow growth and under-weight of your baby.
In some cases, symptoms may be less severe, going unnoticed for years, even well into adulthood.
In other cases, the symptoms are so severe, that there is clearly a problem in childhood.
One the one hand, severe celiac cases are distressing, especially to parents who have no idea what is wrong with their child. Of course they are propelled into action, looking for the cause.
Although gaining awareness among doctors, there are still stories of doctors who mis-diagnose the disease.
Less severe cases are less distressing, but the bad news is that the disease can carry on for years, causing a great deal of damage over time.
Celiac Disease Symptoms
Celiac disease can be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. These are very different diseases. See the celiac article for details.
- Malnutrition due to reduced absorption of food nutrients
- Anaemia
- Abnormal stools
- Bloating
- Muscle wasting
- Poor muscle tone
- Low appetite
- Irritability
- weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Foul smelling stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Foul gas
- Acid reflux
- Ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Mouth ulcers
- Folate deficiency (lack of Vitamin M, forms of Vitamin B-9)
- Calcium metabolism disturbance
- Dermatitis: clusters of itchy blisters, usually on the knees, elbows and buttocks.
Celiac Complications
If you continue to consume gluten, you risk severe harm to any and all internal organs. This can lead to an extremely deteriorated health condition, and can be fatal.
Treatment
Avoid any and all gluten in your diet at all times, for the rest of your life.
Internal Links
External Links
- See celiac article
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
IBS
I have suffered with stomach problems as long as I can remember. I am 55 years old now and I finally went to a gastoroligists because I was having acid reflux and belly hurt. He did an endoscopy. Found polyps in my small intestines and my lining of the stomach was irritable and inflammed. Took biopsy of that and they came back negative for cancer, ulcers or H pylori. Now I’m back to square one. I am currently taking an acid reflux medication from doctor. I am avoiding spicy foods, acid drinks and eating small meals. I have to go back to him to see about another test. Now someone has told me about asking him to check me for gluten allergies. I have no knowledge on that study. Can you suggest anything else?
Gluten allergy and celiac tests
Hi Ninfa,
Your question is a good one.
I need to do more research before explaining the various types of test available.
Here is a very short summary:
For celiac, there are several tests, including a small intestine biopsy, blood test, and stool test. I’m told that the stool test is the most accurate.
For gluten allergy, there are skin tests and blood tests, but none are all that accurate. Best to follow an elimination diet for that.
[comment moved to Meat Allergy article -ed]