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How is Coeliac Disease recognised?
The underlying genetic predisposition is present at birth. Some infants
become rapidly and severely ill when gluten is introduced into their diet; other
children develop problems slowly over several years. Many people with
coeliac disease have few or no apparent problems during childhood, developing
symptoms only during adult life. Screening studies have revealed that many
people with coeliac disease in the community remain completely undetected.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease The
symptoms of coeliac disease can vary markedly, ranging from numerous to none
which are obvious. Listed below are some of the symptoms which may occur
singularly or in combination.
- Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
- Anaemia - the anaemia will either not respond to treatment or will recur
after treatment (iron therapy) until the correct diagnosis is made and a
gluten free diet is begun
- Flatulence and abdominal distention
- Diarrhoea - this may begin at any age and is often present for years
prior to diagnosis
- Constipation - some are likely to experience constipation rather than
Diarrhoea although a number of people do not experience either and some
experience both
- Cramping and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss - although many do not lose weight and some can even put on
weight
Less common in adults
- Easy bruising of the skin
- Ulcerations and/or swelling of mouth and tongue
- Miscarriages and infertility
- Low calcium levels with muscle spasms
- B12, A, D, E and K vitamin deficiency
- Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis
- Dental defects
- Altered mental alertness
- Bone and joint pains
Common in children
- Abdominal distention, pain and flatulence
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constiptation
- Large, bulky, foul stools
- Poor weight gain
- Weight loss in older children
- Delayed growth or delayed puberty
- Tiredness
- Anaemia
- Irritability
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Coeliac Disease - what is it?
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