How to Identify Celiac Disease Symptoms

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. The symptoms can vary widely, but the most common ones are digestive-related.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common symptoms:

Digestive Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and bloating: One of the most frequent symptoms, often accompanied by cramping.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, watery stools are a hallmark of the condition.
• Constipation: Some people experience constipation rather than diarrhea.
• Gas and indigestion: Excessive gas and a feeling of indigestion are common complaints.
• Fatty stools (steatorrhea): Stools may appear greasy and difficult to flush due to poor nutrient absorption.

Non-Digestive Symptoms:

• Fatigue: Due to nutrient deficiencies caused by malabsorption, individuals with celiac disease often feel extremely tired.
• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss may occur, despite normal or increased eating habits.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: A result of poor iron absorption, leading to fatigue and weakness.
• Skin rashes: Dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy, blistering rash, is often seen in people with celiac disease.
• Joint pain: People with celiac disease may experience inflammation and discomfort in their joints.

Other Symptoms:

• Delayed growth in children: Celiac disease can impair growth and development in children.
• Mouth ulcers: Painful sores in the mouth are commonly seen in individuals with celiac disease.

If you suspect you have celiac disease, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation. Dr. Preeti Mehta and our board-certified team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care can help diagnose and manage this condition, providing you with a personalized treatment plan.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the small intestine, triggered by the consumption of gluten. The immune response damages the lining of the small intestine, particularly the villi, which are responsible for nutrient absorption. This damage disrupts normal digestion and can have significant long-term effects on the digestive system.

• Damage to the Small Intestine: The inflammation caused by celiac disease leads to the flattening or destruction of the villi, impairing the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients.

• Malabsorption of Nutrients: The damaged villi reduce the absorption of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

• Impact on Digestive Health: As a result of malabsorption, the body may experience inadequate nutrient intake, leading to a range of health complications, including fatigue, anemia, and weight loss.

• Changes in Gut Flora: Celiac disease can alter the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to further digestive issues and inflammation.

• Increased Intestinal Permeability: Chronic inflammation in the small intestine can result in “leaky gut,” where the intestinal lining becomes more permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, which may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body.

• Risk of Further Damage: Without proper management through a strict gluten-free diet, ongoing damage to the small intestine can lead to additional complications, such as intestinal lymphoma or osteoporosis.

Dr. Preeti Mehta and her board-certified team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care are experts in diagnosing and managing celiac disease, offering a comprehensive approach to protect and restore digestive health.

The onset of symptoms in celiac disease can vary widely from person to person, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact timeframe. The disease is triggered when an individual with a genetic predisposition consumes gluten, but the severity and timing of symptoms can be influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, and the presence of other medical conditions.

• Immediate to Several Hours: In some individuals, symptoms of celiac disease may appear soon after eating gluten, often within hours. These symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.

• Days to Weeks: In many cases, symptoms may take a few days or even weeks to develop after gluten consumption. This delayed reaction may include fatigue, weight loss, and skin rashes, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Months or Years: For some people, symptoms may take months or even years to appear. Celiac disease can often develop silently, with individuals experiencing mild or vague symptoms that are easily overlooked or misdiagnosed as other digestive issues. In some cases, individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms until significant damage has already occurred to the small intestine.

• Silent or Asymptomatic Celiac Disease: Some individuals may not show symptoms at all, even though they have celiac disease. This is known as “silent celiac disease,” and it can be detected through blood tests or genetic screening. The damage to the intestine may occur without noticeable symptoms, but long-term damage still takes place if gluten consumption continues.

Because the symptoms can vary greatly and may be delayed, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation if you suspect celiac disease, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent.

If you suspect that you have celiac disease or are experiencing symptoms associated with the condition, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. While the symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and damage to the digestive system.

• Persistent Digestive Issues: If you experience ongoing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or excessive gas that don’t improve with dietary changes, it’s time to consult a doctor. These could be signs of celiac disease or another underlying gastrointestinal condition.

• Unexplained Fatigue and Weight Loss: Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and a general feeling of being unwell are common indicators of nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption. If these symptoms persist, seeing a doctor is crucial to determining whether celiac disease is the cause.

• Skin Rashes or Mouth Sores: Dermatitis herpetiformis, a blistering skin rash, is a common sign of celiac disease. Similarly, frequent mouth sores or ulcers can also be related to the condition. If these symptoms occur alongside gastrointestinal issues, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.

• Family History: Celiac disease has a genetic component. If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with the condition, it’s advisable to get screened for celiac disease, even if you don’t have obvious symptoms. Early detection can help prevent complications.

• Other Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency: Symptoms like anemia, bone pain, joint pain, and delayed growth in children are all possible signs of malabsorption caused by celiac disease.

Dr. Preeti Mehta and our board-certified team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care specialize in diagnosing and treating celiac disease. With extensive experience and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Mehta offers comprehensive care, including diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to manage celiac disease effectively. Treatment primarily involves a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet to prevent further damage to the small intestine and improve symptoms. Dr. Mehta and her team provide ongoing support and education to help patients navigate their dietary changes, monitor their health, and avoid potential complications. If you suspect celiac disease or need expert care, Dr. Mehta and her team are here to guide you toward better digestive health.

Dr. Preeti Mehta and her board-certified team are dedicated to providing expert care for celiac disease. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY and Riverhead NY.