A condition when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake
In the United States, coeliac disease affects hundreds of thousands of people, with one in every 100 persons suffering from it. Many individuals are unaware they have celiac disease, therefore it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Coeliac disease being a’multi-system’ illness, symptoms can arise in several parts of the body.
Symptoms might also vary in terms of type and severity from person to person.
This is caused by malabsorption, which occurs when the body is unable to absorb all of the nutrients it needs.
Malabsorption can also lead to stools (poo) containing abnormally high levels of fat (steatorrhoea).
This can make them foul-smelling, greasy and frothy. They may also be difficult to flush down the toilet.
Other gut-related symptoms that are prevalent in celiac disease patients include:
- abdominal pain
- bloating and flatulence (passing wind)
- indigestion
- constipation
- vomiting (usually only affects children)
More general symptoms of coeliac disease may include:
- fatigue (extreme tiredness), which may be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia or vitamin B12 folate deficiency anaemia
- unexpected weight loss
- an itchy rash
- tingling and numbness in your hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech (ataxia)
- swelling of the hands, feet, arms and legs caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema)
Anyone who is concerned about their health or believes they may have celiac disease symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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