Symptoms of coeliac disease
The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. This makes the condition very frustrating because it can be hard to pinpoint. So it’s very important to keep an open mind until a medical diagnosis can be made.
Coeliac disease is known as a ‘multi system’ disorder – symptoms can affect any area of the body and may last from a few hours to a few days. The reaction is not the same as an allergic reaction and does not cause anaphylactic shock. Symptoms can be different for everyone.
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
- Severe or occasional diarrhoea, excessive wind and/or constipation.
- Persistent or unexplained nausea or vomiting.
- Recurrent stomach pain, cramping or bloating.
- Any combination of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.
- Anaemia.
- Ongoing tiredness.
- Sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases).
- Severe or persistent mouth ulcers.
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis).
- Tooth enamel problems.
- Liver abnormalities.
- Unexplained subfertility.
- Repeated miscarriages.
- Neurological (nerve) problems such as ataxia (loss of coordination, poor balance) and peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet).
Other conditions that symptoms may be confused with
Some symptoms of coeliac disease may be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome or wheat intolerance. The symptoms can also be put down to stress or getting older.
In the past, people with coeliac disease were expected to be underweight. In fact, most people with the condition are a normal weight or even overweight.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed, you could have coeliac disease. The first step for diagnosis is to discuss your concerns with your GP. It’s very important you do not remove gluten from your diet until you are diagnosed by a healthcare professional.