An autoimmune condition called celiac disease can produce many symptoms, from skin problems and exhaustion to nutritional deficits and digestive problems. The consumption of gluten, a type of protein present in wheat, barley, and rye, causes these symptoms. Because of the immune reaction this causes, your small intestine becomes inflamed and harmed.
Be aware that celiac disease symptoms can differ significantly from person to person and that some affected individuals may experience no symptoms. If you experience a flare-up, then make sure to consult with a gastroenterologist in Kolkata through the Credihealth website.
Most common celiac disease symptoms
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Diarrhea
One of the initial symptoms that many patients encounter before receiving a celiac disease diagnosis is loose, watery stools. One study estimates that 43% of celiac disease sufferers experience diarrhea. This proportion has considerably decreased since the development of blood tests, which are now frequently used to identify celiac disease.
A gluten-free diet typically eliminates many celiac disease symptoms, including diarrhea. A gluten-free diet considerably reduced the amount of diarrhea experienced by celiac disease patients compared to those who did not.
However, remember that diarrhea might occur for numerous reasons, including infections, other food intolerances, or intestinal problems.
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Bloating
Bloating is a different typical symptom that celiac disease patients encounter. Bloating and other digestive problems may be brought on by the inflammation that celiac disease can produce in your digestive system.
In a short study of 85 newly diagnosed celiac disease patients, about 9% reported additional digestive symptoms and bloating. Following a gluten-free diet dramatically reduced symptoms like bloating and enhanced quality of life, according to a second trial including 200 persons with this condition.
Even when a person does not have celiac disease, gluten may occasionally result in digestive issues like bloating. For instance, research indicated that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experienced worsening symptoms of stomach pain, bloating, and exhaustion after consuming gluten.
Other typical causes of bloating, besides celiac disease, include constipation, bowel obstruction, chronic gas, and digestive disorders.
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Gas
Untreated celiac disease patients frequently have excessive gas in their digestive systems. One study found that 47% of the 130 children with celiac disease suffered increased flatulence. Similarly, previous research on 193 persons with celiac disease discovered that 7% or less reported having too much gas.
But bear in mind that there are numerous reasons why people get gas. Only 2 of 150 participants in a study who reported having more gas were found to have celiac disease.
More typical reasons for gas include constipation, indigestion, swallowing air, and conditions like lactose intolerance and IBS.
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Fatigue
A typical worry for those who have celiac disease is fatigue. Research indicates that dietary deficits and sleep difficulties are very prevalent in people with celiac disease, which may be contributing causes.
According to a significant analysis, persons with celiac disease frequently felt exhausted, but this condition typically improved once they switched to a gluten-free diet.
Another study discovered that celiac disease patients were more likely to experience sleep problems, which may be an exhaustion factor. Additionally, if celiac disease is left untreated, minor intestine damage can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which may also lower energy levels.
Anaemia, depression, thyroid issues, infections, and thyroid issues can contribute to weariness.
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Loss of weight
Early symptoms of celiac disease frequently include sudden weight loss and difficulties gaining weight. This results from your body’s decreased capacity to absorb nutrients, which may induce malnutrition and weight loss.
One of the most prevalent symptoms in older research of elderly persons with celiac disease was weight loss. Not only were symptoms completely gone after treatment, but participants also put on an average of 17 pounds (7.75 kg).
Additionally, illnesses like diabetes, cancer, depression, or thyroid issues may be to blame for unexplained weight loss. Unexpected weight loss is a common symptom of celiac disease. However, eating a gluten-free diet usually results in people gaining weight.
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Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia, a disorder brought on by a lack of healthy red blood cells, and impaired nutritional absorption are both risks of celiac disease. Iron deficiency anemia may result from impaired nutrient absorption caused by celiac disease. Iron deficiency anemia, however, can also be brought on by several additional factors. Anemia due to iron shortage can cause fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and chest pain.
The long-term use of painkillers like aspirin, a poor diet, severe monthly bleeding, and peptic ulcers are only possible reasons for iron deficiency anemia.
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Constipation
Some persons with celiac disease experience diarrhea, while others experience constipation. Intestinal villi are harmed by celiac disease. The small intestine has these little, finger-like extensions that are in charge of receiving nutrition.
The intestinal villi cannot adequately absorb nutrients as food moves through your digestive tract, frequently absorbing additional moisture from the stool. Constipation follows due to the hardened, challenging-to-pass feces that results from this.
However, even with a strict gluten-free diet, staying constipation-free may be difficult for those with celiac disease. This is because a gluten-free diet excludes numerous high-fiber foods, such as grains, which may decrease fiber intake and bowel movements. Constipation can also be brought on by poor diet, physical inactivity, and dehydration.
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Depression
Along with additional ailments like anxiety and eating disorders, celiac disease is linked to an elevated risk of depression. Adhering to a gluten-free diet may be more challenging due to these diseases. Along with physical symptoms, celiac disease causes psychological symptoms like depression.
In adults with celiac disease, depression was more prevalent and severe than in the general population, according to an older analysis of 29 studies.
According to one analysis, anxiety, despair, and weariness were also frequently observed among celiac disease patients, which may have a detrimental impact on quality of life and dietary compliance.
However, numerous other factors can contribute to depression, such as hormonal changes, stress, grief, and genetics.
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Scratchy rash
An itchy skin rash may develop as a result of celiac disease. Most folks who get this rash don’t have any stomach issues. Dermatitis herpetiformis can be brought on by celiac disease. This painful skin rash develops on your buttocks, knees, or elbows. The additional digestive symptoms frequently present with celiac disease are uncommon in those who acquire this skin rash.
This rash, which affects roughly 17% of those with celiac disease, is an obvious sign that prompts a diagnosis. It might also appear after a diagnosis due to poor treatment compliance.
Along with celiac disease, other possible causes of an itchy skin rash include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and hives.
Conclusion-
Celiac disease is a severe condition that can cause several symptoms, including digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and weariness. But remember that symptoms can vary from person to person with celiac disease. While some people might experience some of the above symptoms, others might not.
If you think that you have celiac disease, talk to your doctor about getting tested. People with celiac disease can manage and reduce these symptoms with a gluten-free diet. You can book a consultation with a gastroenterologist in Kolkata through the Credihealth website.