Celiac disease creates an autoimmune reaction in your small intestine to eating gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. It can be difficult to diagnose because it affects people so differently, and in fact, there are 200 known celiac symptoms. We will look at 10 signs you may have celiac disease focusing on the most prominent.
What Happens When You Have Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a disorder causing a reaction in your small intestine to gluten which triggers your immune system to create antibodies against it. This damages the lining of your small intestine which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients.
Gluten found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley are included in many foods in our western diet like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods. Surprisingly, gluten is also in sauces, soups, and packaged foods. Beer is usually made from barley or rye.
Damage to the small intestine can have serious consequences. When you can’t absorb nutrients, it’s known as malabsorption, and it can lead to malnutrition.
In children, it can cause stunted growth and development.
Common Signs of Celiac Disease
Unfortunately, a great majority of people live with celiac disease because they are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Although some people have no symptoms, most find there are some similar types of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Some common signs include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Constipation
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Depression and anxiety
- Fatigue
- Cognitive impairment
- Joint pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea and vomiting
If you are having any of the above symptoms, contact Digestive Health Services to find out if you are suffering from celiac disease. It is almost impossible to diagnose without testing.
Most people who are diagnosed and who stop eating gluten have an excellent prognosis. Most of the damage done by celiac disease can be undone.
If you are experiencing these signs of celiac disease, contact Digestive Health Services at 630-434-9312 to schedule a visit at our office in Downers Grove, IL.
