Celiac diseases may often stay undetected for a long time. It is because, often, the symptoms are quite subtle or seem to be unrelated to digestion.
Many of us consider bloating, pain, or diarrhea to be common symptoms of celiac disease. It is because the condition causes damage to the small intestine due to antibodies produced by the immune system of the body. These damage the villi which are small projections in the intestine that aid nutritional absorption.
Since celiac can have serious health repercussions, it is important to understand its warning signs so you can catch it early. This way, you can take timely action to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
Celiac Disease Symptoms and Warning Signs
The symptoms of celiac disease may vary from one person to the next. Generally, you may develop two kinds of symptoms- those that include the digestive system and others that occur due to malabsorption of nutrients.
In some cases, the symptoms may not be that severe, so you may not think much of them. However, if someone in your immediate family, including your parents or siblings, has it, you also have a 10% probability. It is, hence, important to understand the warning signs and detect them early. Here are some prominent warning signs of celiac.
Abdominal issues
The most tell-tale signs of celiac are abdominal issues. You may suffer from abdominal discomfort or pain. While the reason for abdominal discomfort in celiac patients is not understood clearly, many individuals consider it one of their earlier symptoms.
Similarly, if you experience bloating, constipation, or bouts of diarrhea after consuming any food rich in gluten, there is a high chance you have celiac disease.
Chronic fatigue
It is quite normal to feel tired now and then! However, if you tire out quickly or feel tired often to the extent that it hampers your daily routine, it is important to investigate. Chronic fatigue can be attributed to many other underlying health conditions. However, if your condition is accompanied by one or more symptoms, it could imply you have celiac’s.
Bone problems
Since celiac tends to affect nutrient absorption in the body, it can cause different kinds of deficiencies. For instance, iron deficiency in the body can cause anemia and put you at risk of heart conditions.
Similarly, celiac may cause vitamin D deficiency which affects your bone health. It can even cause osteoporosis whereby your bones become weak and brittle.
Mood disorders
You may be surprised to know how celiac can gravely affect your mental health. Gluten indigestion in the body can lead to irritability, mood swings, or even depression.
If you suffer from frequent mood swings, it could be your body telling you there is a problem. Mood disorders are also caused by a myriad of other issues. However, if they are accompanied by other tell-tale signs, you may want to get checked.
Weight loss
As mentioned earlier, celiac can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients as it affects the small intestine’s functioning. This can lead to unintentional weight loss as your body may not be getting the required nutrition to maintain a healthy weight.
Skin problems
If your skin looks angry or develops a rash after eating a gluten-rich food item, you have celiacs. Skin issues are also one of the lesser-known warning signs of celiac disease. Your body may develop lesions, blisters, or rashes after consuming a food item with gluten in it. If you experience the same, it is time to get checked.
Diagnosing and Treatment
If you suspect you have celiac’s, you may be wondering how to confirm your suspicions. You can first get a celiac test done to determine if your body reacts to gluten. The test will identify your sensitivity to gluten and allow you to seek further medical advice.
If the test suggests celiac’s, your healthcare provider may proceed with tests for further investigation. This includes a blood test to identify gluten antibodies in your system. They may then suggest a biopsy to assess the damage done to the villi in the intestine. A small tissue of your intestine is taken as a sample for testing.
If you find out you have celiac’s, the next logical step is to treat your condition. You will need to go on a gluten-free diet to rid your body of all the conditions you may be suffering from. Within the first two weeks or so, you will feel a significant difference in your body.
Conclusion
Understanding the warning signs of celiac’s is the first toward managing your condition. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get it checked.
Knowing you have celiac may be disheartening, particularly if you are fond of gluten-based foods. Luckily, there are alternatives available, so you do not have to miss out on your favorites. With the right care and medical guidance from your healthcare provider, you can lead a fairly normal life with celiac disease.