Understanding Celiac Disease Symptoms

Celiac Disease is a digestive disorder that comes from reactions to eating gluten. This affects children as well as adults. One in every 133 Americans has this disease.  Usually, it can be handled well, from eating a gluten free diet. The diagnosis of celiac disease can be made by a variety of blood tests as a screening method, and ultimately by upper endoscopy and biopsy of the small intestine to make a definitive diagnosis.  Well, there are several common symptoms of celiac, such as bloating or diarrhea, some patients may have virtually no symptoms, and present only with iron deficiency.  Another uncommon finding in women with celiac disease is early onset of osteoporosis.

The symptoms of this disease, include:

• Digestive: These symptoms are abdominal bloating and pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation along with pale and fowl smelling stools. 
• Weight Loss: Anemia, fatigue, osteoporosis, miscarriages and numbness are the symptoms of this one.
• Skin Rash: Itchy, blistering, burning rash.
• Mood and Memory: Excessive Depression, irritability, poor memory and having trouble concentrating. 

Wheat Allergies also involves the autoimmune system.  

The difference is that Celiac Disease is life long whereas Wheat Allergies can be grown out of. But still wheat has to be avoided for Celiac Disease. This is because gluten is a protein that comes in wheat, lactose, peanuts and other foods. If it is not taken care of properly, someone's life could end. 

The disease comes from: 

• If an immediate faminly member has Celiac Disease, you have a 5-15% chances of getting it as well.
• Babies given gluten before they are three months old.
• Major life event such as stress or pregnancy.
• Diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes, autoimmune diseases or thyroid disease.
• Other Generic Disorders such as Down Syndrome or Turner Syndrome.

Maintaining a gluten free diet is the cornerstone of therapy.