Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose because it affects people differently. This was something that happened to me and I was misdiagnosed most of my life. The issue is that doctors are not taught about celiac disease or gluten sensitivity in medical school although now there is more awareness. If is important to seek a doctor who specializes in Celiac disease to test you to confirm your diagnosis.
There are about 300 known symptoms which may occur in the digestive system or other parts of the body. Some people with celiac disease have no symptoms at all. However, all people with celiac disease are still at risk for long-term complications, whether or not they display any symptoms. I was one of the lucky ones who developed a Celiac rash that occured everytime I ate gluten, so I was able to identify the Celiac better.
Does Your Child Have Celiac Disease?
Digestive symptoms are more common in infants and children. Here are the most common symptoms found in children:
- abdominal bloating and pain
- chronic diarrhea
- vomiting
- constipation
- pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
- weight loss
- fatigue
- irritability and behavioral issues
- dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth
- delayed growth and puberty
- short stature
- failure to thrive
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Do You Have Celiac Disease?
Adults are less likely to have digestive symptoms, with only one-third experiencing diarrhea. Adults are more likely to have:
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unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
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fatigue
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bone or joint pain
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arthritis
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bone loss or osteoporosis
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depression or anxiety
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tingling numbness in the hands and feet
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seizures or migraines
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missed menstrual periods
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infertility or recurrent miscarriage
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canker sores inside the mouth
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an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformisThis information was adapted from http://celiac.org/celiac-disease/symptoms/
