What are 19 symptoms of celiac disease?

Even with the rise of gluten-free foods, ingredients and even offerings at bakeries and restaurants, celiac disease is a life-altering condition. Rather than simply being able to pick up virtually any snack or eat any meal, those with celiac disease must become experts at reading ingredient labels and assessing their risks. Otherwise, those with celiac disease will certainly suffer the consequences – a number of unpleasant digestive symptoms and more.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a disorder of the autoimmune system. When the body takes in anything containing gluten, a protein most commonly found in wheat, the small intestines launch an immune response which can ultimately be damaging to the lining of the intestines. For this reason, it’s important for anyone with celiac disease to avoid wheat and anything else containing gluten.

Symptoms of celiac disease

Celiac disease and its less-severe cousin, gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity, have similar gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

·      Diarrhea

·      Abdominal pain

·      Fatigue

·      Bloating

·      Gas

·      Nausea or vomiting

·      Unintended weight loss

·      Constipation

·      Pale stools

However, because the symptoms of celiac disease are typically more significant, it can also begin to affect other systems of the body and cause other conditions. In fact, symptoms can even include:

·      Blistering, itchy skin rash

·      Mouth sores

·      Anemia

·      Headaches

·      Liver inflammation

·      Joint and bone pain

·      Muscle cramps

·      Nerve damage resulting in numbness or tingling of the extremities

·      Depression

·      Growth problems in children

·      Malnutrition and osteoporosis due to poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines

Unfortunately, those with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing other health conditions. These can include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and even some cancers. Those who have celiac are also more likely to have other autoimmune diseases like lupus, thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment for celiac disease

There is no cure for celiac disease, and treating it means strictly avoiding gluten. When a gluten-free diet is strictly maintained, the damage caused to the intestines can heal over time. The key to success is doing your homework and learning about foods where gluten can hide, such as:

·      Medications, vitamins and hygiene items like shampoo

·      Sauces, such as soy sauce and those used in frozen foods

·      Gravies made with flour

·      Canned soups

·      Pickles, depending on the type of brine used

·      Hotdogs and lunch meats

·      Ground spices and powdered drink mixes like coffee and hot chocolate

·      French fries and potato chips

·      Some alcoholic beverages

·      Some candies and chewing gum

If you experience extreme celiac disease symptoms, such as severe vomiting, come to Laredo Emergency Room for treatment. We can help you get to feeling better, ease your pain and treat any resulting dehydration.