Coeliac Disease – Symptoms
The severity of symptoms of coeliac disease is extremely variable. Listed below are some of the symptoms which may occur singularly or in combination:
- Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
- Anaemia
- Flatulence and abdominal distention
- Diarrhoea – can be quite severe but may not necessarily be obvious
- Constipation – can be experienced rather than diarrhoea although many people do not experience either and some experience both
- Cramping and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss – although many do not lose weight and some can even gain weight
Less Common in Adults
- Easy bruising of the skin
- Recurrent mouth ulcers and/or swelling of mouth or tongue
- Miscarriages and infertility
- Low calcium levels
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis
- Dental defects
- Altered mental alertness
- Bone and joint pains
Common in Children
- Abdominal distention, pain and flatulence
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Large, bulky, foul stools (steatorrhea)
- Poor weight gain
- Weight loss in older children
- Delayed growth or delayed puberty
- Tiredness
- Anaemia
- Irritability
Some symptoms may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or wheat intolerance, while others may be put down to stress, or getting older.
Many people with coeliac disease are 'asymptomatic', that is they have no gastrointestinal symptoms at all.
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