Symptoms
The classic signs and symptoms of celiac disease (formerly called celiac sprue, or just "sprue") have been known since the second century A.D. Now, in addition to the well known childhood features of diarrhea, anemia, and failure to thrive, doctors have begun to recognize that in both children and adults, a wide variety of less well known symptoms are also associated with this disorder.
Alopecia Areata And Celiac Disease
A relatively high rate of celiac disease has been reported in patients with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects the hair follicles.
A relatively high rate of celiac disease has been reported in patients with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects the hair follicles.
Typical and Atypical Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can begin at any age, involve multiple organs, and in both children and adults can have extremely variable symptoms -- or there may be no obvious symptoms at all.
Celiac disease can begin at any age, involve multiple organs, and in both children and adults can have extremely variable symptoms -- or there may be no obvious symptoms at all.
Complications of Untreated Celiac Disease
The National Institutes of Health warns of the following complications of celiac disease in patients who do not follow the gluten-free diet.
The National Institutes of Health warns of the following complications of celiac disease in patients who do not follow the gluten-free diet.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Autoimmune reactions to gluten can take the form of an extremely itchy, burning, stinging skin disease called dermatitis herpetiformis.
Autoimmune reactions to gluten can take the form of an extremely itchy, burning, stinging skin disease called dermatitis herpetiformis.
Lactose Intolerance and Celiac Disease
Studies have shown that untreated celiac patients have high rates of lactose intolerance. As their intestines heal on the gluten-free diet, however, their tolerance for lactose-containing foods improves.
Studies have shown that untreated celiac patients have high rates of lactose intolerance. As their intestines heal on the gluten-free diet, however, their tolerance for lactose-containing foods improves.
Depression and Celiac Disease
People with celiac disease have higher rates of depression. Sometimes the gluten-free diet can help.
People with celiac disease have higher rates of depression. Sometimes the gluten-free diet can help.
Short Stature and Celiac Disease
Short stature can sometimes be the only symptom of celiac disease. Research shows that children with short stature should undergo tests for celiac disease.
Short stature can sometimes be the only symptom of celiac disease. Research shows that children with short stature should undergo tests for celiac disease.
Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease
People with celiac disease are at high risk for osteoporosis. Learn the special issues associated with osteoporosis and celiac disease.
People with celiac disease are at high risk for osteoporosis. Learn the special issues associated with osteoporosis and celiac disease.
Is Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome Really Celiac Disease?
Because irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease share so many similarities, researchers recommend that everyone with irritable bowel syndrome be tested for celiac disease as well.
Because irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease share so many similarities, researchers recommend that everyone with irritable bowel syndrome be tested for celiac disease as well.
Refractory (Unresponsive) Celiac Disease
Rarely, people with celiac disease do not improve in response to the gluten-free diet. This condition is called unresponsive celiac disease, or refractory disease.
Rarely, people with celiac disease do not improve in response to the gluten-free diet. This condition is called unresponsive celiac disease, or refractory disease.