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The signs and symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly and are different in children and adults. The most common signs for adults are diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Adults may also have bloating and gas, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
However, more than half of adults with celiac disease have signs and symptoms not related to the digestive system, including:
- Anemia, usually resulting from iron deficiency
- Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or bone fragility (osteomalacia)
- Skin rash accompanied by itching and blistering (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Damage to tooth enamel
- Mouth ulcers
- Headaches and fatigue
- Nervous system damage, including numbness and tingling in the legs and hands, possible balance problems and cognitive impairment
- Joint pain
- Reduced spleen function (hyposplenism)
- Acid reflux and heartburn
Children
In children under 2 years of age, typical signs and symptoms of celiac disease include:
- Vomiting
- Chronic diarrhea
- Bloated abdomen
- Delayed growth
- Lack of appetite
- Brittle limbs
Older children may have:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Short stature
- Delayed puberty
- Neurological symptoms, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy, blistering skin condition that results from intestinal intolerance to gluten. The rash usually appears on the elbows, knees, trunk, scalp and buttocks.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is often associated with changes in the lining of the small intestine, identical to celiac disease.
Doctors treat dermatitis herpetiformis with a gluten-free diet or medication, or both, to control the rash.
If you want to find out about allergy or intolerance, check out our article on this topic: Celiac disease: allergy or intolerance?
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