Symptoms of coeliac disease

Classic symptoms of coeliac disease

The manifestations mainly concern gastrointestinal disorders, but they can vary greatly, depending on age and the consequences are many in the development and maintenance of the body.

In infants, gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, frequent, massive and particularly foul-smelling stools and stagnation or weight loss are observed. In addition to the above, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, proteinuria, anorexia, anemia, dermatitis and oral aphthae ulcers may also occur. There is also a possibility of irritability.

Several symptoms are similar in adult’s population too, such as diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal distension, anemia, proteinuria, and added fatigue and osteoporosis.

The first signs of the above symptoms should lead to a special blood test to determine the presence of specialized antibodies and in the conduct of intestinal biopsy.

Non-Classic Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Many patients may have no gastrointestinal symptoms and no signs of malabsorption. The prevalence of non-classical coeliac disease is high in the western world, where patients usually present with unexplained iron deficiency anemia.

Non-classical symptoms occur individually or in combination with low intensity. Symptoms such as:

• abdominal distension
• abdominal pain
• indigestion, early satiety, anorexia
• abdominal crisis with explosive diarrhea
• chronic fatigue, lack of energy
• chronic migraine
• dermatological manifestations (such as rash, psoriasis, blisters)
• peripheral neuropathy
• reduced bone density
• Unexplained chronic hypertransaminase (high liver enzymes)
• folic acid deficiency
• vitamin B12 deficiency
• depression, anxiety, frequent mood swings and irritability
• chronic constipation in children
• late adolescence, delayed menstruation, early menopause
• unexplained infertility
• unexplained miscarriage, premature birth, birth of a small baby in relation to gestational age