What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Do you think you might have Celiac disease?  The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor about getting tested (usually involves a simple blood test and/or an endoscopy).   With that said, here is some general information about Celiac Disease symptoms that you may find useful.

Adults Celiac Disease Symptoms

Celiac Disease may appear at any time in a person’s life. The disease can be triggered for the first time after surgery, viral infection, severe emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder. Celiac Disease symptoms are extremely varied, can often mimic other bowel disorders and are not always gastrointestinal.

Children Celiac Disease Symptoms

Infants, toddlers, and young children often exhibit growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen and behavioral changes.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease May Include One or More of the Following:

• Recurring bloating, gas, or abdominal pain
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation or both
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Pale, foul-smelling stool
• Unexplained anemia
• Bone or joint pain
• Behavior changes/depression/irritability
• Vitamin K Deficiency
• Fatigue, weakness or lack of energy
• Delayed growth or onset of puberty
• Failure to thrive (in infants)
• Missed menstrual periods
• Infertility male & female
• Spontaneous miscarriages
• Canker sores inside the mouth
• Tooth discoloration or loss of enamel

Have You or a Family Member Been Diagnosed With the Following?

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• IBS
• Eczema
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Thyroid Disease
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis (see below)
• Osteoporosis

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin. The rash has a symmetrical distribution and is most frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks.  DH patients can have gastrointestinal damage without perceptible symptoms.

For additional information about Celiac Disease, check out our Celiac Information page!