Celiac Disease: Common Symptoms

You may have celiac disease if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas, distention and bloating
Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
Unusual weight loss or weight gain
Unexplained nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition
Dental enamel defects
Bone or joint pain, weakened bones
Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
Infertility - male/female
Depression
Ulcers
Childhood growth retardation and stunted stature as an adult
Painful mouth sores
Fatty stool – stools that have abnormally high levels of fat
Delayed blood clotting and excessive bleeding
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) – a skin disorder characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks

Diagnosis
The following tests and procedures may help in obtaining a diagnosis of celiac disease:

Online self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the candidiasis self-assessment and the magnesium assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions. Learn more about self-assessments.
Stool sample to check for fatty stool
Small intestinal biopsy – considered the most accurate test for celiac disease. A long, flexible biopsy instrument is passed through the small intestine to obtain samples of the intestinal lining of the duodenum. The biopsy is evaluated for loss of villi, tiny protusions that line the small intestine and increase the surface area for maximum absorption of nutrients.
Specific antibody tests for celiac disease – Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system to fight viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that infect the body. In the case of celiac disease, the body inappropriately produces antibodies against gluten, which can be detected through antibody testing, such as endomysial antibodies, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, and anti-gliadin antibodies.¹

Additional Information about Celiac Disease

Article ID: 299